India's ace pacer Mohammed Shami expressed his disappointment over the Men in Blue's agonising loss against Australia in the ODI World Cup 2023 final at the Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad on November 19. Despite the heartbreaking defeat, Shami remained grateful for the unwavering love and support he received from fans throughout the ODI World Cup 2023.
Shami emerged as the tournament's leading wicket-taker despite missing out on the initial matches. He signed off the tournament with an impressive tally of 24 wickets in just seven matches, maintaining an exceptional bowling average of 10.70. In the semi-final against New Zealand, Shami delivered a career-defining show, recording the best ODI bowling figures (7/57) for India.
“You win some, you lose some. Tough pill to swallow for us but we have our heads held high. Proud of this team & thanks for all love and support keep supporting & loving IN,” Shami wrote in a message on Instagram.
The star pacer set the tone for Indian bowlers in the final with early breakthrough of David Warner while defending a modest total of 240. However, Shami didn't get the support from other end which left Indian bowlers in lurch. Shami conceded nine wides and failed to add any more wickets to his tally after Warner's wicket. Overall, he gave away 47 runs in his seven overs with one wicket under his belt.
Electing to bat first at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, November 19, India made a promising start. Rohit Sharma unleashed a flurry of boundaries before being dismissed by Glenn Maxwell for 47 runs off 31 balls. Despite Sharma's early dismissal, the Indian team managed to post a total of 240 runs in their allotted 50 overs. KL Rahul emerged as the top scorer for India contributing a patient 66 runs off 107 balls, while Virat Kohli chipped in with 54 runs off 63 deliveries. Mitchell Starc was the pick of the Australian bowlers, claiming 3/55, while Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood picked up two wickets each. In reply, Australia's chase was spearheaded by a stunning batting display from Travis Head. Head scored an unbeaten 137 runs off 120 balls riding on four sixes and 15 boundaries. He forged a crucial 192-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Marnus Labuschagne (58 off 110), rescuing Australia from a precarious 47/3 to a commanding victory.
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