In a stunning turn of events during the World Cup 2023 semi-final against New Zealand, Mohammed Shami not only rivalled Virat Kohli in breaking records but emerged victorious by securing the Player of the Match award.
Shami’s unparalleled performance in the semi-final left cricket enthusiasts in awe. He not only achieved a quick 50-wicket haul, becoming the fastest bowler in World Cup history to do so, but also marked his name as the first Indian to reach this milestone. With 54 wickets in 17 matches at an average of 12.90, an economy rate over 5, and a strike rate of 15.33, Shami’s contribution was nothing short of phenomenal.
The semi-final witnessed Shami claiming seven wickets, making him the first Indian to achieve this feat in an ODI. Moreover, he now holds the record for the most five-wicket hauls in Cricket World Cup history, surpassing even Australian left-arm quick Mitchell Starc.
Shami’s dominance continued in WC 2023, where he emerged as the leading wicket-taker in the tournament. With 23 wickets in just six matches, he surpassed Zaheer Khan’s record for the most wickets by an Indian in a single edition, setting an impressive average of 9.13.
However, the journey wasn’t without its challenges. Shami faced a setback by dropping a crucial catch of Kane Williamson, but his resilience and comeback showcased the true spirit of a champion.
Shami made a memorable entry against New Zealand in the group stage, setting the stage for his stellar performance in subsequent games. Despite emphasizing variations, Shami’s belief in pitching it up with the new ball remained unwavering, resulting in crucial wickets for the team.
The victory over New Zealand in the semi-finals was particularly sweet for India, avenging their loss in the last World Cup. Shami expressed his delight, emphasizing the team’s determination not to let go of the chance for success.
“Uska catch chhuta, bohut kharab laga. Wo catch nahi chhutna chahie tha (I felt very bad when I dropped his catch. I shouldn’t have dropped it). The focus was to try and take pace off, see if they’re hitting it in the air. It was a chance we had to take,” Shami said.
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In an exclusive interview, Shami reflected on the World Cup journey, underscoring the importance of the win and the team’s commitment to making the most of the opportunity.
Shami expressed, “My return started against New Zealand. We talk a lot of variations, but I still believe in pitching it up and getting wickets with the new ball. It feels amazing. 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’s impact in the semi-final was evident as he grabbed crucial wickets of openers and provided breakthroughs just when Daryl Mitchell and Williamson posed a threat to India’s target of 398. His five-wicket haul in the match showcased his skill and strategic brilliance.
In a perfect ending to the semi-final, Shami completed his five-wicket haul by dismissing Mitchell and two more wickets in his last over. His efforts resulted in bowling out Black Caps for 327, sealing a memorable night for the hosts.
