Indian pacer Mohammed Shami showcased a remarkable performance by claiming 7-57 against New Zealand on Wednesday, establishing himself as the quickest bowler to achieve a 50-wicket milestone in the history of the ICC Cricket World Cup. Shami achieved this feat at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, needing only 17 matches to reach this landmark, surpassing the previous record held by Mitchell Starc of Australia by two games.
Shami worked his bowling magic, propelling India to a commanding 70-run victory over New Zealand in the first semifinal of ICC World Cup 2023. This victory extended the host’s unbeaten record to 10 matches, setting the stage for the final against either Australia or South Africa, who are scheduled to play on Thursday at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
On top of this, the Indian pacer also recorded India’s best-ever bowling figures at the World Cup. “I was waiting for my chances,” Shami said after he wrecked New Zealand’s hopes of reaching the final.
Shami didn’t feature in India’s first four games
Although absent from India’s initial four games in the World Cup, he made a striking entrance at Dharamsala, securing figures of 5-54 against New Zealand in the group stage. Subsequently, he continued his impressive form by claiming 11 more wickets in the following three matches against England, Sri Lanka, and South Africa, with an unusual exception of a wicketless game against the Netherlands.
Leading wicket-taker in ICC World Cup 2023
Having participated in only six games, Shami has emerged as the leading wicket-taker in the tournament with an impressive tally of 23 wickets.
Men in blue determined to win
Shami expressed the team’s resolute determination to seize the opportunity of winning a home World Cup and ensure it doesn’t slip away from their grasp.
“Last two World Cups, we lost [in the semifinals]. Who knows when or if we’ll get a chance, so we wanted to do everything for this, one chance we didn’t want to let go,” Shami said while receiving his player of the match award, “Who knows when the next chance might come.”
This victory allowed India to extend their unbeaten streak to 10 wins, having remained undefeated throughout the league stage.
PM Modi, Sachin Tendulkar hail Shami’s performance
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the congratulatory posts for Indian cricket team after the spectacular win. “Congratulations to Team India! India puts up a superlative performance and enters the Finals in remarkable style. Fantastic batting and good bowling sealed the match for our team. Best wishes for the Finals!,” wrote PM Modi on his official social media handle X.
PM Modi congratulated Shami in a separate post and wrote, “The bowling by @MdShami11 in this game and also through the World Cup will be cherished by cricket lovers for generations to come.”
Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar also posted on X and congratulated Shami for his performance. “What a Shami-final!!!!!! Well done India for a superb batting display and a spectacular bowling performance to get into the final,” master blaster wrote.