The Narendra Modi Stadium is all set to witness an electrifying ODI World Cup clash between India and Pakistan. Both teams, having won their opening two matches, are gearing up for this high-voltage game. It's challenging to predict which team holds the upper hand, with Babar Azam's bat yet to fire for Pakistan, while the Indian duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are in scintillating form. Team India's middle order has been showcasing remarkable consistency, while Pakistan's pace attack has been a bit leaky. Amidst these narratives, the exclusion of a particular Indian player from the playing XI has been garnering significant attention.
Mohammed Shami, the Indian pacer, has an exemplary record against Pakistan in World Cup matches. However, he hasn't yet been given an opportunity in the ongoing World Cup. Despite playing only one World Cup match against Pakistan in 2015, where he claimed 4 wickets, he ranks fifth on India's list of top performers against their arch-rivals.
In total, Shami has played three matches against Pakistan, including appearances in the Champions Trophy, Asia Cup, and World Cup. From these games, he's scalped 5 wickets. In these matches, he has bowled 28 overs, giving away 107 runs. His best figures against Pakistan are an impressive 4 wickets for 35 runs, with an economy rate under 4.
Shami's ODI career statistics are equally impressive. The pacer has played 94 ODIs and has clinched 171 wickets. His economy rate in the 50-over format stands at 5.58, with an average of 25.5. Furthermore, he's the third-fastest Indian bowler to reach 150 wickets in 80 matches.
Fans and pundits are perplexed by Shami's exclusion from the playing XI, especially given his formidable track record against Pakistan. With the crucial India vs Pakistan match on the horizon, it remains to be seen whether Rohit Sharma will reconsider and include Shami in the lineup, leveraging his historic performance against the arch-rivals.
The impending game not only holds World Cup implications but is also an intense emotional contest, with cricket enthusiasts from both nations eager to see their team emerge victorious. If Shami is included in the final XI, his presence could bolster India's chances, adding another layer of intrigue to this much-anticipated clash.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
IND vs PAK Predicted Playing XI: One change ominous in Team India as Shubman Gill set for ODI World Cup debut
NZ vs BAN: Williamson's robust comeback leads New Zealand to hat-trick win, thrash Bangladesh by eight wickets
