In a breathtaking display of fast bowling mastery, Mohammed Shami etched his name in the annals of cricket history by becoming India’s leading wicket-taker in the World Cup. Shami’s stellar performance unfolded during a World Cup 2023 clash against Sri Lanka in Mumbai on November 2, leaving cricket enthusiasts awestruck and jubilant.
Shami’s phenomenal feat was a testament to his skill, precision, and unwavering determination. As a seasoned fast bowler, he joined the ranks of illustrious Indian pacers Javagal Srinath and Zaheer Khan at the pinnacle of the wicket-takers’ tally for two-time World Cup champions, India.
The Wankhede Stadium bore witness to an extraordinary spectacle as Shami, along with fellow pacers Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah, orchestrated a relentless assault on the Sri Lankan batting unit during the World Cup 2023 match. Shami, coming in as a first-change bowler, was on fire from the outset. His opening spell will be remembered as one of the most devastating displays of fast bowling in recent times.
Shami’s blitzkrieg began when he was introduced into the attack in the 10th over of the Sri Lankan innings. By that time, the chase had already taken a nightmarish turn for Sri Lanka, as they found themselves at 3 for 4. Shami’s fiery pace and lethal seam movement left the Sri Lankan batsmen grappling for survival. He wasted no time in claiming four wickets in his first three overs, setting the tone for a historic performance.
Seeing this wonderful performance of Shami, Harbhajan Singh tweeted about Shami’s brilliant spell.
Harbhajan’s tweet
Shaaaaaaaami bhai ka zabra fan #shmaibhaikazabrafan 🌪️🎯🇮🇳 what a spell 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 @MdShami11 @BCCI @StarSportsIndia
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) November 2, 2023
The climax of Shami’s incredible display was a 5-pwicket haul, marking his third in World Cup history. With this achievement, he equaled the legendary Mitchell Starc at the top of the list of bowlers with the most 5-wicket hauls in World Cup matches.
What’s even more remarkable is the swiftness with which Shami reached this milestone. In just 14 matches in the 50-over World Cup event, he amassed an astonishing 45 wickets. Zaheer Khan, another iconic Indian pacer, took 23 matches to reach 44 wickets in World Cup tournaments, while Srinath accomplished his 44 wickets in 34 matches. Shami’s exceptional record is a testament to his effectiveness and consistency on the biggest stage in cricket.
It’s important to note that Shami’s remarkable feat was achieved in only three matches during World Cup 2023, underscoring his extraordinary impact in the tournament.
With this record-breaking performance, the list of the most wickets for India in World Cups now stands as follows:
- Mohammed Shami: 45 wickets in 14 matches
- Zaheer Khan: 44 wickets in 23 matches
- Javagal Srinath: 44 wickets in 34 matches
- Jasprit Bumrah: 33 wickets in 16 matches
- Anil Kumble: 31 wickets in 18 matches
- Kapil Dev: 28 wickets in 26 matches
Shami’s incredible spell of fast bowling included dismissals of key Sri Lankan batsmen, leaving them in shambles after India had posted a formidable total of 357 runs on the board. He claimed five wickets in his first five overs, further solidifying his status as a genuine match-winner.
The Indian pace battery, as a whole, delivered a sensational performance at the iconic venue that hosted the 2011 World Cup final. Jasprit Bumrah, in particular, made history by striking with the very first delivery of the innings, a first for an Indian bowler in a World Cup match. Mohammed Siraj, who had previously shone against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final, continued his fine form by taking crucial wickets early in the innings.
The Sri Lankan side was left in disarray, struggling to contend with the pace, accuracy, and movement generated by India’s new-ball bowlers. Shami, the first-change bowler, added to their woes by picking up four wickets in his initial spell.
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