In a gripping World Cup semifinal showdown between India and New Zealand, Wednesday witnessed a historic moment as Mohammed Shami delivered an outstanding performance, etching his name as the first Indian bowler to claim a remarkable seven wickets in a One Day International (ODI).
Shami’s exceptional on-field display resulted in awe-inspiring figures of 7/57, dismantling the New Zealand batting lineup and restricting them to a total of 327 runs. This remarkable feat surpassed the previous record held by Stuart Binny, who had taken six wickets for four runs. Shami’s prowess not only secured India’s spot in the World Cup final but also marked a groundbreaking moment in Indian cricket.
Outshining his predecessors, Shami also carved his name in history by achieving the best bowling figures by an Indian bowler in World Cup history, surpassing the previous record set by Ashish Nehra in the 2003 World Cup. His seven-wicket haul showcased not only skill but also a rare level of dominance on the cricketing stage.
Shami’s relentless pursuit of wickets saw him dismissing key New Zealand batsmen, playing a pivotal role in India’s success in the semifinal. His ability to break through the opposition’s defenses was a highlight of the match.
During the innings, Shami became the fastest bowler to claim 50 wickets in the World Cup, adding another feather to his cap. Additionally, he became the first bowler to secure four five-wicket hauls in World Cups, solidifying his reputation as a formidable force in the cricketing world.
India’s triumph in the semifinal marked their tenth consecutive victory in the World Cup. Opting to bat first, India posted a formidable total of 397 runs for the loss of four wickets, driven by Virat Kohli’s 50th ODI century and a rapid century by Shreyas Iyer.
Despite Daryl Mitchell’s valiant century, New Zealand fell short by 70 runs against India’s imposing total. The all-around performance of the Indian team, led by Shami’s exceptional bowling, secured their spot in the World Cup final.
With this victory, India not only secured a place in the final but also established themselves as a dominant force in the ongoing World Cup. Shami’s stellar performance elevated him to the top of the highest wicket-takers list in this edition of the tournament, adding another layer to India’s success story.
The internet was flooded with memes and posts celebrating Mohammed Shami’s historic bowling figures for India in ODIs.
