Bengal vs Chandigarh: Porel Ton, Shami Takes 3 Wickets.

Bengal Beat Chandigarh by 6 Wickets: Shami Takes 3, Porel Hits Ton in VHT 2025-26.

                            Bengal vs Chandigarh: Bengal Win by 6 Wickets as Abishek Porel Scores Century.                    Bengal produced an impressive all-round performance to defeat Chandigarh by six wickets in their Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 Group B encounter at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot on 29 December 2025.

Chandigarh posted a competitive 319 before being bowled out in 48.2 overs, but Bengal successfully chased the target, finishing on 320/4 in 47.4 overs.

Abishek Porel led Bengal's response with an excellent century, scoring 106 off 84 balls. Mohammed Shami also made an impact with the ball, claiming three wickets, while Mukesh Kumar delivered the standout bowling performance with figures of 5/59. Mukesh's five-wicket haul earned him the Player of the Match award.

The result highlighted Bengal's batting depth and ability to handle pressure in a high-scoring 50-over contest.

Match Details: Bengal vs Chandigarh

Tournament: Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26

Match: Bengal vs Chandigarh, Group B

Date: 29 December 2025

Venue: Niranjan Shah Stadium, Khandheri, Rajkot

Toss: Bengal won and elected to bowl

Chandigarh: 319 all out in 48.2 overs

Bengal: 320/4 in 47.4 overs

Result: Bengal won by six wickets

Player of the Match: Mukesh Kumar (5/59)

Chandigarh Post 319 Runs After Manan Vohra's Century

After Bengal captain Abhimanyu Easwaran elected to bowl, Chandigarh's batting line-up set a challenging target. Captain Manan Vohra anchored the innings with a composed 122 off 127 balls, striking nine fours and two sixes.

Vohra's century provided the foundation for Chandigarh's total. He balanced patient accumulation with timely attacking shots, helping his side build partnerships despite losing wickets at regular intervals.

Arjun Azad contributed 31 off 18 balls, giving the innings early momentum. Arslan Khan added 26, while Tushar Joshi scored 20. Sanyam Saini then provided an important boost in the middle and lower order, scoring 67 off 54 balls with six fours and four sixes.

Despite these contributions, Chandigarh were unable to bat through their full 50 overs. Bengal's bowlers struck at key moments, preventing the opposition from turning a promising position into an even bigger total.

Chandigarh finished on 319 all out in 48.2 overs. Although the total put pressure on Bengal's batters, the target remained achievable on a surface where stroke-making was possible.

Mohammed Shami Takes Three Wickets on His Bengal Return

Mohammed Shami was one of the major talking points before the match, and the experienced fast bowler made a contribution with three wickets. He finished with figures of 3/69 from 9.2 overs.

Shami dismissed Arjun Azad, Taranpreet Singh and Nishunk Birla. His wickets helped Bengal prevent Chandigarh from building uninterrupted partnerships, although Manan Vohra and Sanyam Saini managed to score heavily.

The performance was another opportunity for Shami to build competitive rhythm through domestic cricket. His experience, ability to generate movement and knack for taking important wickets make him a significant figure in Bengal's bowling attack.

However, the match's leading bowling performance came from Mukesh Kumar, who repeatedly troubled Chandigarh's batters and finished with five wickets.

Mukesh Kumar's Five-Wicket Haul Changes the Contest

Mukesh Kumar was Bengal's most successful bowler, returning figures of 5/59 in his ten overs. He removed Tushar Joshi, Sanyam Saini, Nikhil Thakur, Jagjit Singh and Rohit Dhanda.

His spell was particularly important during Chandigarh's later overs. After Vohra and Saini had helped the side reach a competitive position, Mukesh's breakthroughs restricted the lower order and brought the innings to an end before the 50-over mark.

Shahbaz Ahmed also played a valuable role, taking two wickets, including the important dismissal of Vohra. Shami's three wickets completed an effective performance from Bengal's bowling unit.

Mukesh's five-wicket haul earned him the Player of the Match award, recognising his influence on the result.

Abishek Porel's Century Powers Bengal's Successful Chase

Chasing 320, Bengal needed an assertive start and a batter capable of converting a good beginning into a substantial innings. Wicketkeeper-batter Abishek Porel delivered exactly that, scoring 106 off 84 balls.

Porel struck 12 fours and two sixes, combining controlled stroke play with attacking intent. His century gave Bengal the platform required to stay ahead of the asking rate and reduced the pressure on the middle order.

His innings was particularly important because a target of 320 can become difficult if the chasing side loses wickets in quick succession. Porel's contribution helped Bengal maintain momentum and ensured that the required run rate remained manageable.

After Porel's dismissal, Bengal's middle order continued the chase with composure. Anustup Majumdar contributed a valuable innings, while Shahbaz Ahmed and Sumanta Gupta helped finish the job.

Shahbaz provided an important unbeaten contribution, and Sumanta added late runs as Bengal moved towards the target without allowing the match to drift into a tense final-over finish.

Bengal reached 320/4 in 47.4 overs, securing victory with 14 balls remaining.
Why Bengal's Chase Was So Effective

Bengal's successful chase was built on three important factors.

1. A century at the top: Porel's 106 gave Bengal the stability and scoring momentum required to pursue a target above 300.

2. Contributions from the middle order: Bengal did not depend on one batter alone. The supporting innings helped the team recover from wickets and keep the chase on track.

3. Controlled scoring under pressure: Rather than allowing the required run rate to climb, Bengal maintained a steady scoring pace and completed the chase before the end of the innings.

The ability to chase 320 with six wickets in hand demonstrated the depth of Bengal's batting line-up. It also showed how an early foundation can make a demanding target considerably more manageable.

What the Result Means for Bengal and Chandigarh

The victory gave Bengal four points from the match and strengthened their position in the Group B contest. The performance was encouraging because the team delivered in both innings: the bowlers restricted Chandigarh to 319, and the batters completed the chase with 14 balls to spare.

For Chandigarh, Manan Vohra's 122 and Sanyam Saini's 67 were notable positives. Their partnership and individual contributions helped the team reach a competitive total, but the bowling unit could not defend it against Bengal's batting depth.

The match also offered useful lessons for Chandigarh. Taking wickets during the middle overs and controlling boundaries are crucial when defending a total above 300. Bengal, meanwhile, showed the value of building partnerships and maintaining scoring momentum during a long chase.

Key Performers: Bengal vs Chandigarh

Abishek Porel: 106 off 84 balls, including 12 fours and two sixes.

Manan Vohra: 122 off 127 balls for Chandigarh.

Sanyam Saini: 67 off 54 balls.

Mohammed Shami: 3/69 in 9.2 overs.

Mukesh Kumar: 5/59 in 10 overs and Player of the Match.

Final result: Bengal won by six wickets.

Conclusion

Bengal's six-wicket victory over Chandigarh was a strong example of effective one-day cricket. Manan Vohra's century and Sanyam Saini's aggressive contribution gave Chandigarh a competitive total, but Bengal's bowlers ensured the innings ended at 319.

Mukesh Kumar's five-wicket haul and Mohammed Shami's three wickets helped Bengal stay in control, while Abishek Porel's superb 106 provided the foundation for a successful chase. With useful contributions from the middle order, Bengal reached 320/4 in 47.4 overs to seal the result.

What impressed you most in this match: Abishek Porel's century, Mukesh Kumar's five-wicket haul or Mohammed Shami's three wickets? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Bengal vs Chandigarh, Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26: Bengal Opt to Bowl First as Mohammed Shami Returns to Action.

                    In a crucial Elite Group B encounter of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, Bengal captain Abhimanyu Easwaran won the toss and elected to bowl first against Chandigarh at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot on December 29, 2025.

            The decision to chase highlighted Bengal's confidence in their potent bowling attack, spearheaded by the returning Mohammed Shami, alongside Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep.

This match marked a significant moment for Indian cricket fans, as Shami, making his way back into competitive rhythm after a prolonged absence from the national side, was in action for Bengal. His presence added firepower to an already formidable pace unit, raising expectations of a dominant display on a pitch known to assist seamers early on.

Toss and Playing XIs

Toss: Bengal won the toss and opted to bowl first.

Bengal Playing XI: Abhimanyu Easwaran (c), Abishek Porel (w), Sudip Kumar Gharami, Anustup Majumdar, Shahbaz Ahmed, Sumanta Gupta, Karan Lal, Akash Deep, Mohammed Shami, Vishal Sunil Bhati, Mukesh Kumar.

Chandigarh Playing XI: Arslan Khan, Manan Vohra (c), Arjun Azad, Tushar Joshi, Nikhil Thakur (w), Sanyam Saini, Taranpreet Singh, Jagjit Singh, Nishunk Birla, Rohit Dhanda, Hartejassvi Kapoor.

Live Streaming and Broadcast Details

Fans could catch the action live on the JioHotstar app and website, as this Round 3 clash was one of the select matches streamed during the tournament. Limited telecast was available on Star Sports channels for chosen games.

Pre-Match Context: Bengal's Quest for Momentum

Bengal entered the fixture with a mixed bag of results in the early rounds. After a strong start, they suffered a setback but were determined to climb the Group B standings. Led by the consistent Easwaran, their batting lineup featured reliable performers like Abishek Porel, who has been in fine touch as wicketkeeper-batter, and all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed, capable of turning games with both bat and ball.

The bowling department, however, was the talk of the town. With Shami leading the charge—fresh from impressive domestic performances in red-ball and T20 formats—Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep formed a trio that could dismantle any opposition. Shami's inclusion was particularly noteworthy; his rhythm and swing have been missed on the international stage, and this tournament offered him a platform to stake a claim for a national recall.

Analysts pointed out that Bengal's decision to bowl first aligned perfectly with their strengths. The Rajkot pitch in recent games had shown early assistance for pacers, and with dew likely to play a role later, chasing seemed the smarter option.

Chandigarh's Challenge: Seeking First Win

On the other hand, Chandigarh, captained by the experienced Manan Vohra, were desperate for their maiden victory in the campaign. After tough outings in previous matches, they needed their top order to fire. Openers Arslan Khan and Vohra, along with Arjun Azad and Tushar Joshi, possessed the firepower to post big totals. Azad, in particular, has shown promise with aggressive strokeplay.

Their middle order, bolstered by Sanyam Saini and all-rounders like Taranpreet Singh, added depth. The bowling unit relied on Jagjit Singh and Rohit Dhanda to provide breakthroughs, but they faced a stern test against Bengal's seasoned batters.

Chandigarh's strategy would likely revolve around building partnerships upfront and accelerating in the death overs, aiming for a score in excess of 300 to put pressure on Bengal's chase.

Mohammed Shami: The Spotlight Stealer

No preview of this match would be complete without delving into Mohammed Shami's role. The veteran pacer, known for his searing yorkers and reverse swing, has been in prolific form domestically. His recent wicket hauls in Ranji Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy underscored his fitness and sharpness.

For Bengal, Shami wasn't just a bowler; he was a leader. Teaming up with Mukesh and Akash Deep, this pace battery evoked memories of India's dominant attacks. Fans eagerly anticipated Shami's opening spell, hoping to see him dismantle Chandigarh's top order.

Shami's journey back has been inspirational. Overcoming injury setbacks, his performances sent a strong message to selectors. In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where runs and wickets often translate to national opportunities, Shami's outings were under intense scrutiny.

Venue Insights: Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot

The Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot has hosted several high-scoring affairs in this tournament, but it hasn't been a complete batter's paradise. Early moisture has aided swing bowlers, while the surface flattens out later. Average first-innings scores hovered around 280-300, making Bengal's choice to bowl a calculated one.

Historical data from previous domestic games here showed teams chasing had a slight edge, especially with dew factoring in during evening sessions.

Key Battles to Watch
Mohammed Shami vs Manan Vohra: The experienced Chandigarh captain against India's premier seamer. Vohra's ability to play late would be tested against Shami's swing.

Akash Deep vs Arjun Azad: The young Chandigarh batter's aggression versus Deep's bounce and pace.

Abishek Porel's Counter-Attack: If Bengal chased, Porel's wicketkeeping-batting dual role could prove decisive.

Shahbaz Ahmed's All-Round Impact: His left-arm spin could exploit any turn, while his batting depth was crucial in the lower order.

Group B Standings and Stakes

Heading into this round, Group B was tightly contested. Bengal aimed to consolidate their position for a knockout spot, while Chandigarh needed wins to stay alive. A victory for Bengal would boost their net run rate significantly, given their bowling prowess.

The Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 has already witnessed record-breaking performances, with high scores and individual brilliance. This clash promised more of the same.

Innings Recap: Chandigarh's Solid Foundation Crumbles

Chandigarh got off to a brisk start, with openers Arslan Khan and Manan Vohra adding quick runs. However, Shami struck early, clean-bowling Arjun Azad in the seventh over, setting the tone.

Vohra anchored the innings superbly, forming key partnerships with Tushar Joshi and Sanyam Saini. His classy 122 off 127 balls propelled Chandigarh forward, blending caution with aggression.

Despite regular wickets, Chandigarh posted a formidable 319 all out in 48.2 overs. Mukesh Kumar was the destroyer-in-chief with a five-wicket haul (5/59), while Shami chipped in with 3/69, justifying the decision to bowl first. The Bengal bowlers maintained discipline in the death overs, preventing a late surge.

Bengal's Chase: Porel and Shahbaz Shine

Chasing 320, Bengal needed a strong start. Abishek Porel delivered in spectacular fashion, smashing a blazing 106 off 84 balls, laced with boundaries. His innings provided the momentum, taking the pressure off the middle order.

Anustup Majumdar contributed a steady 63, forging a vital partnership. When wickets fell, Shahbaz Ahmed stepped up with an unbeaten 76, combining power and composure. Sumanta Gupta's quickfire 22* sealed the deal.

Bengal reached 320/4 in 47.4 overs, winning by six wickets with 14 balls to spare. It was a clinical chase, showcasing depth and temperament.

Post-Match Analysis: What It Means

Bengal's comprehensive victory propelled them up the table, earning crucial points. Porel's century and Mukesh's fifer earned plaudits, but Shami's controlled spell was equally vital.

For Chandigarh, Vohra's ton was a lone bright spot in an otherwise disappointing campaign. They remained winless, facing an uphill battle.

This result highlighted Bengal's balanced side—strong bowling backed by resilient batting. As the tournament progresses, they emerge as serious contenders.

Mohammed Shami's performance will fuel discussions about his international comeback. His three wickets on return were a statement.

The Vijay Hazare Trophy continues to deliver thrilling cricket, blending stars and emerging talents.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who won the Bengal vs Chandigarh Vijay Hazare Trophy match?

Bengal defeated Chandigarh by six wickets on 29 December 2025.
2. What was Chandigarh's score against Bengal?

Chandigarh scored 319 runs before being bowled out in 48.2 overs.
3. How many runs did Abishek Porel score?

Abishek Porel scored 106 runs off 84 balls, including 12 fours and two sixes.
4. How many wickets did Mohammed Shami take?

Mohammed Shami took three wickets for 69 runs in 9.2 overs.
5. Who was the Player of the Match?

Mukesh Kumar was named Player of the Match after taking five wickets for 59 runs in ten overs.
6. What was Bengal's final score?

Bengal finished on 320/4 in 47.4 overs, successfully chasing Chandigarh's target of 320.
7. Where was the Bengal vs Chandigarh match played?

The match took place at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Khandheri, Rajkot.

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