Shami’s Hat-Trick Steals the Show as Siliguri Strikers Triumph in Bengal T20 League

Kolkata, June 2026: Veteran India pacer Mohammed Shami rolled back the years with a sensational hat-trick at Eden Gardens, leading Servotech Siliguri Strikers to a commanding 24-run victory over Shrachi Rarh Tigers in the Bengal T20 League Season 3 on Saturday.

The experienced fast bowler produced a match-winning spell when the Tigers appeared to be mounting a late challenge in pursuit of a daunting target. Shami struck in dramatic fashion during the 16th over, dismissing Shahbaz Ahmed off the fourth ball before removing Rohit Kumar and Dipanjan Mukherjee off successive deliveries to complete a memorable hat-trick. The remarkable feat brought the Eden Gardens crowd to life and effectively ended Rarh Tigers’ hopes of pulling off an unlikely chase.

Shami finished with impressive figures of 4 for 27 from his four overs, while Karan Lal provided valuable support with 3 for 36. Together, the duo ensured that Siliguri Strikers maintained control throughout the second innings.

Earlier, after being asked to bat first, Siliguri Strikers put up a formidable total of 208 for 4 in their allotted 20 overs. The foundation of the innings was laid by Vishal Bhati, who produced a scintillating knock of 86 from just 46 deliveries. Displaying an array of attacking strokes, Bhati smashed six sixes and five boundaries, putting the bowlers under relentless pressure and keeping the scoreboard moving at a brisk pace.

The momentum created by Bhati was carried forward by the middle order, with Pramod Chandila providing the finishing touches through an unbeaten 36 off only 16 balls. His late assault helped Siliguri breach the 200-run mark and set a challenging target for the opposition.

In reply, Shrachi Rarh Tigers fought hard but were unable to keep pace with the required run rate. Shuvam Dey Sr top-scored with a brisk 48 off 25 balls, while Rahul Prasad contributed 44 from 26 deliveries. Despite their efforts, the Tigers eventually finished on 184 for 9 in 20 overs, falling short by 24 runs.

Earlier in the day, Sobisco Smashers Malda registered a convincing seven-wicket win over Murshidabad Kings in a rain-affected encounter. The match was reduced to 15 overs per side after weather interruptions.

Batting first, Murshidabad Kings posted 134 for 7, with Deepanshu leading the scoring with 47 off 33 balls. However, their total proved insufficient against a strong Malda batting lineup. Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal starred with the ball, claiming three wickets for 18 runs to restrict the Kings.

Chasing 135, Sobisco Smashers Malda completed the task comfortably in 13.4 overs. Writam Porel struck a fluent 50 off 29 balls, while Abhimanyu Easwaran anchored the chase with an unbeaten 48 from 31 deliveries. Their partnership guided Malda to 138 for 3 and sealed a comprehensive victory with eight balls remaining.

The day ultimately belonged to Shami, whose stunning hat-trick provided one of the standout moments of the tournament and reaffirmed his reputation as a game-changing performer in the shortest format.