Mohammed Shami was the top wicket-taker in the Cricket World Cup 2023, taking 24 wickets in just 7 matches. His outstanding performances helped India reach the final. However, there were strange accusations from Pakistan, with former player Hasan Raza claiming the Indian team cheated by using different balls. Shami, who wasn’t initially part of the playing XI, joined the team after Hardik Pandya’s injury and made a significant impact with two five-wicket hauls and a 4-wicket performance in the next 7 matches. Shami dismissed the comments from some former Pakistani cricket stars, stating they couldn’t accept his success.

“I pray to god that 10 bowlers come up with my kind of performance. I am not jealous of anyone. If you start enjoying the success of others, you will become a better player,” Shami said in an with Puma.

“I’ve been hearing a lot lately. Initially, I wasn’t part of the Playing XI, but when I got the chance, I took 5 wickets. In the next two games, I dismissed 4 and 5 batters. Some Pakistani players couldn’t handle my success; they seem to think they’re the best. In my opinion, the best player is the one who performs when it matters,” Shami stated. He found it puzzling that former player Hasan Raza made nonsensical comments about different balls being used.

“They were causing unnecessary controversy, claiming we were using different balls. Even Wasim bhai explained the ball selection process on his show. It’s disappointing when someone who hasn’t played the game makes such statements. As an ex-player, you should know better,” he concluded.

Rohit Sharma’s Team India is set to face Kane Williamson’s New Zealand in the first semi-final of the ODI World Cup 2023 at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. The history between these teams in knockout stages adds an extra layer of anticipation.

While the ‘Men in Blue’ have lost their last four knockout matches against the Kiwis across formats, New Zealand has faced elimination by a host nation in the last three ODI World Cups. One of those streaks is bound to break in this crucial encounter at the iconic Mumbai stadium.

Mohammed Shami’s Dominance: In terms of current players, Mohammed Shami has been a standout performer, claiming 30 wickets in 13 matches against New Zealand with an economy rate of 6.8.

Kuldeep Yadav’s Impact: Kuldeep Yadav follows closely with 19 wickets in 10 matches and an economy rate of 5.74 against Kane Williamson’s side.

Bumrah’s Precision: Jasprit Bumrah, a vital asset, has bagged 14 wickets in 12 matches with an impressive economy rate of 4.69 against New Zealand.

Jadeja’s All-Round Prowess: Ravindra Jadeja, with eight wickets in 13 matches and an economic rate of 5.13, adds an all-round dimension to the bowling attack.

Hosts India have been in top form, maintaining a flawless nine-game winning streak. Rohit Sharma’s team finished the league stage at the summit of the ODI World Cup 2023 standings with 18 points and an impressive net run rate of 2.570.

India’s opponent, New Zealand, secured the fourth spot on the points table after a hard-fought league stage. ‘Men in Blue’ concluded the round with a commanding 160-run victory over the Dutch side, preserving their unbeaten record.

As India faces a semi-final challenge, their performance in significant competitions over the last decade will be closely scrutinized. The upcoming clash in Mumbai promises to be a monumental test for Rohit Sharma’s side.

India are yet to face defeat in the 2023 World Cup, and their most significant challenge came on the league stage against South Africa at the challenging Eden Gardens. In a remarkable display, the Indian bowlers dismantled the South African batting lineup, securing a historic 243-run victory that extended their unbeaten run in the tournament.

Mohammed Shami, a crucial figure in India’s successful second phase of the league stage, didn’t hold back in his assessment of South Africa following this resounding win.

Before the match, India’s bowling unit faced a stern test, especially after Hardik Pandya’s unfortunate ankle injury ruled him out of the remainder of the World Cup. South Africa have been relentless against their opposition’s bowling attacks, consistently scoring 350 or more in four out of their seven matches, including a tournament-high 428 for five. With the likes of Quinton de Kock, David Miller, and Heinrich Klaasen in superb form, South Africa appeared a formidable batting lineup.

However, when facing India, South Africa’s batting order crumbled dramatically, primarily due to Ravindra Jadeja’s five-wicket haul. They were bowled out for a mere 83 runs in just 27.1 overs, with Marco Jansen batting at No. 7, being the top scorer with a 30-ball 14.

After the astonishing win, Mohammad Kaif, a former Indian cricketer on the Star Sports panel, playfully asked Shami about the competition level, saying,

“You beat Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Where will we get a new team now, from the moon?”

It’s worth noting that besides South Africa, India has also defeated three other teams that have scored 350 or more at least once in this World Cup – Australia (3), New Zealand (2), and England (1).

Shami responded with his trademark bluntness, saying,

“Har baar 400 paar karne waalon ka haal dekho” (Look at the condition of the team that consistently scores over 400 runs).”

With two wickets in just four overs against South Africa, Shami added to his tally of 14 wickets in four appearances in this World Cup, including two five-wicket hauls. He now stands as India’s top wicket-taker in the tournament’s history.

Former fast bowler Irfan Pathan compared Mohammed Shami to a “Ferrari” after the 33-year-old took five wickets in a cricket match against New Zealand at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala. Pathan said, “Mohammed Shami is like a Ferrari. Whenever you take it out of the garage, it will give you the same speed, thrill, and joy to ride every time.” Shami’s outstanding performance broke several records, including becoming the first Indian to achieve two five-wicket hauls in the history of the ODI World Cup. His performance also helped India limit New Zealand to 273 runs.

In addition, Shami surpassed legendary spinner Anil Kumble to become the second-highest wicket-taker in the history of the ICC Cricket World Cup for India. Shami’s World Cup career began in 2015, and he currently has 36 wickets in the tournament, with his best figures being 5/54.

In the match against New Zealand, India chose to bowl first, and they got off to a good start by reducing the Kiwis to 19/2 during the powerplay. However, a partnership of 159 runs between Mitchell and Rachin Ravindra (scoring 75 runs in 87 balls with six fours and a six) allowed New Zealand to make a comeback in the game. But India staged a comeback in the later stages, dismissing New Zealand for 273 runs in 50 overs. Shami was the standout bowler for India, taking 5 wickets for 54 runs. Kuldeep Yadav also contributed with 2 wickets for 73 runs, while Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj each took a wicket.

India ultimately won the match by 4 wickets, with Virat Kohli scoring an impressive 95 runs.

Two notable alterations to the Indian cricket team’s composition aroused eyebrows as they prepared to play New Zealand in the Cricket World Cup 2023. Upon winning the coin toss, Captain Rohit Sharma disclosed that the upcoming World Cup match would mark Mohammed Shami’s World Cup debut and Suryakumar Yadav’s inaugural appearance in an ODI World Cup.

A rather unconventional decision by the Indian team management left cricket enthusiasts intrigued. Opting to bench Shardul Thakur due to Hardik Pandya’s injury, the team now lack a pace-bowling all-rounder. Instead, they headed to the pitch with just five bowling options. Given the formidable form displayed by New Zealand’s batters in the tournament, this strategic shift raised questions about its potential risks.

After winning the toss, Rohit Sharma shared:

“We’ll bowl first. No particular reason, but we were training here yesterday and noticed a bit of dew coming in. The pitch appears promising, and we are confident in our chasing abilities. It’s crucial to maintain our momentum, irrespective of past results. This is a place everyone wants to play at, with its beautiful weather and stunning stadium. Unfortunately, Hardik is unavailable, as is Shardul. We have Shami and Surya in the squad.”

Tom Latham, serving as New Zealand’s stand-in captain for the match, expressed his inclination to bowl first as well. He noted,

“We would have chosen to bowl first too. The surface looks good, and we anticipate dew later on. Our focus is on performing well regardless of the chosen strategy. We find ourselves in a new ground with unfamiliar conditions, so adapting quickly is our priority. Our lineup remains unchanged for today, featuring three seamers and two spinners.”

India Playing XI:

Rohit Sharma (c)
Shubman Gill
Virat Kohli
Shreyas Iyer
KL Rahul (w)
Suryakumar Yadav
Ravindra Jadeja
Kuldeep Yadav
Jasprit Bumrah
Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Siraj

New Zealand Playing XI:

Devon Conway
Will Young
Rachin Ravindra
Daryl Mitchell
Tom Latham (w/c)
Glenn Phillips
Mark Chapman
Mitchell Santner
Matt Henry
Lockie Ferguson
Trent Boult