Exhibiting cricketing brilliance, India secured their tenth consecutive victory, earning them a spot in the 2023 World Cup final. The match witnessed a total of 724 runs, shining a spotlight on Super Shami’s exceptional performance as he claimed an impressive seven wickets.
As India’s first-change bowler, Shami made an immediate impact by dismissing both New Zealand openers in quick succession. His remarkable seam bowling under the floodlights set the tone for India’s defensive strategy. Despite a resilient comeback from the Kiwis, with a notable 181-run partnership between Mitchell and Williamson, India faced challenges marked by lapses in their fielding.
Inconsistencies surfaced in India’s performance, evident in leaked extras, misfields, a missed stumping opportunity by KL Rahul, and a dropped catch by Shami. This marked the first instance of India encountering pressure in the tournament. Nevertheless, Shami, playing the role of the redeemer, showcased his mettle by providing crucial breakthroughs. He dismissed Williamson and trapped Latham lbw in the same over, reclaiming momentum for India.
The collective efforts of the Indian team, along with Shami’s stellar performance, solidified their journey to the World Cup final. This triumph not only extends India’s unparalleled winning streak but also underscores their resilience in navigating challenging situations on the cricket field.
Most Wickets in a Single World Cup Edition
27 – Mitchell Starc (2019)
Mitchell Starc’s exceptional tally of 27 wickets in the 2019 World Cup established a new record for the most wickets in a single edition. His ability to consistently perform at the highest level played a pivotal role in Australia’s campaign.
26 – Glenn McGrath (2007)
Glenn McGrath’s phenomenal performance in the 2007 World Cup, where he picked up 26 wickets, showcased his mastery over the art of fast bowling. His contributions were instrumental in Australia’s success.
23 – Chaminda Vaas (2003), Muttiah Muralitharan (2007), Shaun Tait (2007), Mohammed Shami (2023)
Mohammed Shami’s remarkable display in the 2023 World Cup, securing 23 wickets, places him among the elite bowlers with the most wickets in a single edition. This achievement underlines his impact on the global cricketing stage.
Previous record for India: 21 – Zaheer Khan (2011)
Zaheer Khan’s stellar performance in the 2011 World Cup, where he claimed 21 wickets, was the previous best for an Indian bowler in a single edition.
