Dubai, February 21 (HS): Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami, who gave a match-winning performance by taking five wickets against Bangladesh in the first match of the ICC Champions Trophy, spoke openly on his return to the international set-up after more than a year.

After a few limited-overs matches against England, Shami appeared in the first match of the Champions Trophy campaign, taking 5 wickets for 53 runs in the match and completing 200 ODI wickets. This comeback came after hard work in domestic cricket in all formats for Bengal in Ranji, Syed Mushtaq Ali and Vijay Hazare Trophy tournaments.

During the post-match press conference, Shami said, When you make a comeback it is very difficult that you start everything afresh. It was a break of 14 months and I was lucky that I had domestic matches to make a comeback.

He said, These 14 months were very difficult because you have to go through the whole process and it is not easy. Sitting at home in close matches, you are not able to be with your team and feel like I wish I could have contributed too.

After winning the toss and batting first, Bangladesh's top order faltered and its 5 wickets fell for only 35 runs, but a 154-run partnership between Tauhid Hridaya (100 runs in 117 balls, with the help of six fours and two sixes) and Jaker Ali (68 runs in 114 balls, with the help of four fours) took them to a respectable score of 228/10.

In the run chase, India made a brilliant opening partnership of 69 runs led by captain Rohit (41 runs in 36 balls, with the help of seven fours). India reached 144/4 and from there Shubman Gill (101* off 129 balls, with the help of nine fours and two sixes) and KL Rahul (41* off 47 balls, with the help of one four and two sixes) made India win the match. Gill won the 'Player of the Match' award.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar