India is currently basking in confidence at the 2023 World Cup, having extended their unbeaten streak to eight matches. This remarkable achievement equals their winning streak from the 2003 World Cup. In a highly anticipated showdown at the top of the table, India easily overcame South Africa in Kolkata, securing a resounding 243-run victory. With this performance, India has ensured their place at the top of the points table, showcasing a sensational display of cricket.
India’s total of 326 was anchored by an expertly-paced unbeaten century by Virat Kohli, who scored 101, and a solid contribution of 77 from Shreyas Iyer. Subsequently, South Africa’s innings quickly unraveled, as they were bowled out for a mere 83 runs in just 27.1 overs. This performance served as a powerful declaration of India’s intent in the tournament.
Following India’s emphatic victory over South Africa, their most significant World Cup defeat yet, Mohammed Shami playfully poked fun at the Proteas during an interview with the host broadcasters.
He highlighted how India’s bowling attack managed to dismiss a strong South African batting lineup in less than 30 overs in the match held on Sunday, November 5, in Kolkata.
Har baar 400 paar karne waalon ka haal dekko (look at the condition of the team that scored 400-plus in every match),”
Shami said during his interaction with Star Sports after India’s victory.
South Africa had showcased their batting prowess in the World Cup 2023, consistently posting scores of over 350 on four occasions, including a record-breaking 428 against Sri Lanka in Delhi. However, their batting prowess crumbled when they faced India.
It’s worth mentioning that India achieved a significant milestone by becoming just the second team in World Cup history, following Sri Lanka in 2007, to dismiss their opposition for fewer than 100 runs twice during the tournament. Prior to Sunday’s match, India had previously stunned Sri Lanka by bowling them out for just 55 runs and securing a massive 302-run victory in Mumbai.
India’s bowling attack has earned worldwide admiration, with the pace trio of Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and Jasprit Bumrah exhibiting relentless excellence. In a notable development on Sunday, Ravindra Jadeja also made a significant contribution with a 5-wicket haul, becoming only the second Indian spinner, after Yuvraj Singh, to achieve this feat in a World Cup fixture.
Mohammed Shami, who had initially been benched for the first four matches of the World Cup in 2023, has risen to the top of India’s list of leading wicket-takers, accumulating an impressive 16 wickets in just four matches, which includes two five-wicket hauls. Jasprit Bumrah closely follows with 15 wickets, while Ravindra Jadeja’s tally has reached 14, and Kuldeep Yadav has secured 12 wickets. Mohammed Siraj has also made a significant contribution, amassing 10 wickets, resulting in a well-rounded and potent bowling attack.
Mohammed Shami highlighted the strong camaraderie within the bowling group, expressing that he did not feel disheartened while warming the benches, as every bowler is reveling in the success of their fellow teammates.
“Even we thought this would be a very good contest. The size of the ground was small. But, the way our bowling unit has ben performing. Watching them bowl with so much consistency is a joy. There is trust between each other in the bowling unit and it has reached a point where whoever gets the ball in hand, they are taking wickets. There can’t be anything better than this,”
Shami added.
India aims to maintain their perfect record in the group stage as they face the Netherlands in Bengaluru on Sunday.
