The grand finale of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 is set to witness a riveting face-off between India and Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on November 19. This title clash, happening after a gap of 20 years, is not just about the teams but also about individual glory, particularly the fierce contest between India’s Mohammed Shami and Australia's Adam Zampa for the top wicket-taker of the tournament.
Mohammed Shami, India's star bowler, leads the tournament with 23 wickets in just 6 matches, making a significant impact despite playing fewer games than his counterparts. Shami was initially benched for the first four matches but stormed into the playing eleven following Hardik Pandya's injury during the match against Bangladesh. Since then, his bowling has been nothing short of sensational, catapulting him to the top of the wicket-taking charts.
In his six matches, Shami has delivered remarkable performances, including two five-wicket hauls, a four-wicket match, and a two-wicket game. His most impressive feat came in the semi-final against New Zealand, where he claimed a stunning 7 wickets. Shami boasts an exceptional average of 9.13 in the tournament.
Adam Zampa, on the other hand, has been pivotal for Australia with 22 wickets in 10 matches. Zampa consistently took wickets in three consecutive matches, claiming four wickets in each. However, his performance in the semi-final against South Africa was costly as he conceded 55 runs without taking a wicket.
The World Cup final will be a decisive battle not only for the teams but also for these two bowlers as they vie for the top wicket-taker position. Shami, with fewer matches but more wickets, has shown incredible efficiency and lethality. Zampa, despite his semi-final setback, remains a critical asset for Australia with his ability to take crucial wickets.
The stage is set for an intense showdown in Ahmedabad, where both India and Australia will rely on their key players to tilt the game in their favor. The contest between Shami and Zampa adds an extra layer of excitement to the final, as both look to leave an indelible mark on the tournament. As the world watches, this battle within the battle could very well determine which team lifts the coveted World Cup trophy.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
EXCLUSIVE | 'The good thing about Rohit Sharma is...: Yuvraj Singh pays tribute to Team India captain ahead of World Cup final
'Virat Kohli told me let's finish it. He also said...': Naveen-ul-Haq reveals whose idea was it to bury the hatchet
