Mohammed Shami achieved an extraordinary feat with a match-winning five-wicket haul against Sri Lanka during the ICC World Cup 2023, creating history in the process. In a breathtaking display of fast bowling, Shami, alongside fellow pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, orchestrated a stunning batting collapse by the 1996 world champions at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. His performance earned him his fourth five-wicket haul in one-day internationals (ODIs) and propelled him to break a significant bowling record. Under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, Team India clinched a resounding victory, defeating Sri Lanka by a massive margin of 302 runs.

Overtaking Legends: Mohammed Shami’s Remarkable Journey

In a remarkable turn of events, Mohammed Shami surpassed the legendary Zaheer Khan and Javagal Srinath to become India’s leading wicket-taker at the ODI World Cup. This achievement places him in the pantheon of cricketing greats who have left an indelible mark on the grandest stage of them all—the World Cup. With a staggering 45 wickets to his name, Shami achieved this remarkable feat in just 14 innings. Comparatively, Zaheer Khan, the former India pacer, took 23 innings to accumulate 44 wickets at the World Cup. Javagal Srinath, another former Indian fast bowler, matched Zaheer Khan’s record of 44 wickets but did so over 34 innings.

Mohammed Shami’s Match-Winning Performance

Mohammed Shami’s impact in the match against Sri Lanka was felt from the very beginning. In the 10th over, he dismissed Charith Asalanka, setting the tone for his extraordinary performance. He went on to secure ducks for Dushan Hemantha and Dushmantha Chameera as Sri Lanka’s batting lineup crumbled, ultimately posting a mere 55 runs in 19.4 overs. In the 17th over, Shami claimed the vital wicket of Kasun Rajitha, solidifying his position as India’s leading wicket-taker at the ODI World Cup. Shami’s remarkable figures showcased his prowess, as he secured five wickets while conceding just 18 runs in five overs.

Team India’s Historic Entry into the Semi-Finals

The sheer dominance of Mohammed Shami and Team India led to a colossal 302-run victory over Sri Lanka, making them the first side to secure a spot in the semi-finals of the ICC World Cup. This resounding win not only highlights Shami’s exceptional contribution but also underscores India’s formidable presence in the tournament.

Shami’s Winning Formula: Focus and Length

When asked about the secret to his success, Mohammed Shami humbly replied, “I always focus on hitting the good areas and length. “I’m thrilled to become India’s leading wicket-taker in World Cups. It’s crucial to maintain rhythm in white-ball cricket and consistently hit the right areas. Precision with the new ball provides valuable assistance from the pitch, and, in my case, the length is of utmost significance. I’d like to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible crowd support. It’s not just within India; we receive tremendous backing even when we’re on foreign soil.”The dressing room is in a very good space.” These insights into Shami’s approach underscore the importance of precision and focus in his bowling.

Mohammed Shami’s remarkable performance has not only etched his name in cricketing history but has also solidified his place as a crucial asset in Team India’s World Cup campaign. As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on Shami, eagerly awaiting more exemplary displays of his fast bowling expertise.