Ace speedster Mohammed Shami ended up being the highest wicket-taker of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. Despite missing out on the first four leag-stage matches, the right-arm quick spearheaded to the top of the tally with 24 wickets in 7 matches, averaging 10.71.
Shami edged past Australia leg-spinner Adam Zampa who completed 23 wickets after trapping Jasprit Bumrah in the 45th over of the Indian innings. The latter thus equalled Sri Lanka legend Muttiah Muralitharan’s 16-year-old record for most wickets taken by a spinner in a single edition of the World Cup.
The game against New Zealand in Dharamsala saw Shami in action for the first time in the tournament. The 33-year-old made an impactful start to his World Cup campaign, returning 5 for 54.
The next game against the defending champions England in Lucknow saw him picking up a 4-wicket haul before his second fifer in the tournament, against Sri Lanka in Mumbai. Shami managed a couple of wickets against South Africa and returned empty-handed against The Netherlands but the best was yet to come.
Shami wreaked havoc in the semi-final against New Zealand in Mumbai, picking up 7 wickets for 57 in 9.5 overs – the best figures registered by an Indian bowler in the ODIs.
Chasing a tricky 241 for victory in the final, Australia slipped to 47-3 before the left-handed Head hit his second century of the tournament to steer the team home with seven overs to spare.
India hit back when Mohammed Shami shared the new ball with Jasprit Bumrah and struck on his second delivery to get David Warner caught behind for seven.
Head stood firm with Labuschagne for the company to thwart the Indian attack despite Rohit rotating his bowlers in a desperate hunt for a breakthrough. He proved to be India’s nemesis a second time this year after his 163 proved decisive in Australia’s World Test Championship triumph at The Oval in June.
(With Agency Inputs)
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