Mohammed Shami Set for 100th First-Class Match; CAB Felicitates Bengal Pacer Ahead of Duleep Trophy Final

Veteran India pacer Mohammed Shami is set to reach a major milestone in his illustrious career when he takes the field for East Zone against South Zone in the Duleep Trophy final at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday.

The fixture will mark Shami's 100th first-class appearance, with the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) felicitating the fast bowler ahead of the landmark occasion.

CAB Treasurer Sanjay Das, representing CAB President and former India captain Sourav Ganguly, honoured Shami in Chennai on Saturday. The pacer was presented with a special 'No. 100 Bengal' jersey signed by Ganguly, a cricket ball carrying the former India captain's signature and a silver plaque.

East Zone captain Ishan Kishan and vice-captain Vaibhav Sooryavanshi were also present and handed over the plaque to the veteran India pacer.

Shami's East Zone teammates also presented him with a jersey signed by the entire squad. East Zone team manager and CAB Finance Committee member Ayan Nandi was also present during the felicitation. Tamil Nadu Cricket Association Secretary U. Bhagwandas Rao separately felicitated the veteran pacer.

The milestone comes as a reward for Shami's remarkable longevity and continued contribution to domestic cricket. The 36-year-old currently has 382 wickets from 99 first-class matches and has been pushing for a return to the Indian team. He was particularly influential in East Zone's semi-final victory over defending champions Central Zone, claiming five wickets across the two innings.

Before the final, Das also presented the East Zone players with customised sweet boxes carrying a special message from Ganguly.

"You don't play finals to participate; you play them to win. Play aggressive, play for each other, and make the East Zone proud. Bring the Duleep Trophy home, boys! Best of Luck."

East Zone have reached the final after defeating Central Zone by four wickets, while South Zone advanced after their semi-final victory. The final will be played from September 6 to 10 in Chennai, with Shami's 100th first-class appearance adding another significant chapter to the Bengal pacer's distinguished career.