Mohammed Shami has emerged as a force to reckon with in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023 as he is spearheading India's bowling attack with an impressive tally of 23 wickets in just six matches. In the semi-final against New Zealand, his supremacy reached unprecedented levels as he broke records by securing the most remarkable wicket haul ever recorded by an Indian bowler in the 50-over World Cup.
Shami's remarkable seven-wicket haul for 57 runs, delivered in just 9.5 overs at an economy rate of 5.79, eclipsed Ashish Nehra's previous record of 6/23 against England in the 2003 World Cup. This exceptional performance not only propelled India to a resounding 70-run victory over New Zealand but also cemented Shami's position among the tournament's top contenders.
Shami's bowling mastery has elevated him to the pantheon of cricketing greats, with his figures ranking fifth in World Cup history. Only Glenn McGrath's phenomenal 7/15 against Namibia in 2003 stands ahead of Shami's remarkable achievement, a testament to the Indian pacer's exceptional skill and impact on the tournament.
In his unique style, Indian actor Sonu Sood showered praise on Shami for his seven-wicket haul in the semifinal against New Zealand, leading India to a 70-run victory and qualification for the World Cup final. Shami acknowledged Sood's tweet and responded to the post.
Shami cemented his position among cricket's elite by becoming only the seventh bowler in history to reach the coveted milestone of 50 World Cup wickets. This remarkable achievement came in just 17 innings, surpassing Mitchell Starc's previous record of 19 innings, showcasing Shami's exceptional pace and wicket-taking prowess.
Across 17 World Cup matches, Shami has amassed an impressive 54 wickets, averaging an exceptional 12.90 runs per wicket. His economical bowling style is evident in his outstanding strike rate of 15.33, further highlighting his ability to consistently remove batsmen. With his best bowling figures of 7/57, Shami has firmly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of cricket.
Australian fast bowler Glenn holds the record for the most wickets taken in Cricket World Cup history, with an impressive 71 wickets across 39 matches.
Shami has now claimed four five-wicket hauls in Cricket World Cup history, surpassing Australian left-arm pacer Starc, who previously held the record with three five-wicket hauls.
In the six matches of the ongoing Cricket World Cup 2023, Shami has emerged as the leading wicket-taker with a remarkable 23 dismissals. His exceptional bowling performance has resulted in a remarkable average of 9.13 runs per wicket. Shami has showcased his dominance by claiming three five-wicket hauls and a four-wicket haul in the tournament so far.
On India's win over the Kiwis on November 15, Shami's childhood coach, Mohamed Badrudeen, told ANI, "It is a moment of joy for all of us that India has reached the World Cup final. Virat Kohli has played exceptionally well throughout the tournament. Scoring 50 centuries is not humanly possible but he made it happen. Shami has been in his element in the tournament. We all want India to win the final and lift the trophy."
On November 15, India chose to bat first and amassed a formidable total of 397/4 in their allotted 50 overs. Captain Rohit Sharma (47 runs off 29 balls, including four boundaries and four sixes) and Shubman Gill (80 runs off 66 balls, including eight fours and three sixes) provided India with a solid start, amassing a 71-run opening partnership. Kohli (117 runs off 113 balls, including nine fours and two sixes) notched his 50th ODI century, while Iyer (105 runs off 70 balls, including four boundaries and eight sixes) scored his second consecutive WC century, propelling India to a commanding total. Rahul also contributed a quickfire 20-ball cameo of 39 runs, including five fours and two sixes. Tim Southee (3/100) was the most effective bowler for New Zealand. Trent Boult (1/86) also claimed a wicket.
Chasing a daunting target of 398, the Kiwis suffered early setbacks, losing two quick wickets. However, a remarkable 181-run partnership between Daryl Mitchell (134 off 119 balls, including nine fours and six sixes) and skipper Kane Williamson (69 off 73 balls, with eight fours and a six) rekindled New Zealand's hopes and kept the Indian bowlers on edge. Glenn Phillips also chipped in with a valuable knock of 41. Nevertheless, a crucial two-wicket over from Shami shifted the momentum back in India's favor, and the Men in Blue displayed exceptional discipline in the death overs, restricting New Zealand to 327 in 48.5 overs.
Alongside Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj each picked up a wicket.
Shami's dream spell earned him the well-deserved 'Player of the Match' award.
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