Umran Malik in Buchi Babu tournament (Source:@64MohsinKamal/X.com)
Umran Malik, one of the fastest bowlers in the country, has made a successful return to competitive cricket in the Buchi Babu tournament for Jammu and Kashmir against Odisha.
On day 1 of round 3 encounter, Jammu Kashmir won the toss and decided to bowl first. Umran Malik, who last played a competitive game in March 2024, opened the bowling for Kashmir and made an impact straightaway. The fast bowler picked up the initial two wickets on consecutive deliveries, rocking Odisha early in the game.
Umran Malik Proves Too Hot To Handle For Odisha Top Order
On the last ball of the second over, the speedster cleaned up opener Om Mundhe and then on the first ball of his next over, he got the better of Subhranshu Senapati, the captain of Odisha. The pacer could not get the hattrick, but it was a dream start after a long injury layoff. Also, both wickets were bowled, which has been the strength of Umran Malik over the years.
The cricketer notched up some great speeds in the 10 overs he bowled in the day and ended up giving up 35 runs along with those two wickets. Umran's early burst and four-fers from Abid Mushtaq and Vanshaj Sharma helped Jammu and Kashmir bowl out Odisha for 314 on the opening day.
Malik Aims To Return At Top Level After Long Injury Lay-Off
Umran Malik would now be hoping that he continues to build on this good start and make an impression in the second innings of the game as well. The cricketer has suffered multiple injuries in the last couple of years, which have halted his once rising stature in Indian cricket.
The 25-year-old pacer made his international debut in 2022 and has played eight T20Is and 10 ODIs for India. He was also once a key weapon for Sunrisers Hyderabad and would be looking to play some consistent cricket and return to IPL and international cricket in the near future.
