Mohammed Shami Becomes India’s Leading Wicket-Taker In 50-Over World Cups
Mohammed Shami celebrates a wicket at the 2023 World Cup (AP)
Indian speedster Mohammed Shami tore through Sri Lanka’s lower-order after it was exposed early to the new-ball by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Turning up for Team India in their high-profile World Cup 2023 clash against Sri Lanka in Mumbai, the cricketer struck twice within his opening over and eventually finished with 5-18 from his five overs.
Shami entrapped Charith Asalanka and Dushan Hemantha in successive deliveries before picking up the key wickets of Dushmantha Chameera and Angelo Mathews. His spell, coupled with Bumrah and Siraj’s early strikes, folded up Sri Lanka for just 55 in their unsuccessful run-chase.Apart from winning the ‘Player of the Match’ award, Shami also scaled a number of national records through the course of his latest match-winning spell.
Mohammed Shami achieves huge bowling records for India
Mohammed Shami, who made his ODI debut in January 2013, made his maiden World Cup appearance during the 2015 edition hosted by Australia and New Zealand. The pace veteran also made sporadic appearances for the national side at the 2019 World Cup in England.
The ongoing cricketing carnival in India marks his third World Cup presence, and the match against Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium marked his 14th outing at the global stage. Remarkably, in just 14 games, Shami has grabbed 45 wickets at an unreal average of just 12.91.
His latest match-winning spell against Sri Lanka took him past former speedsters Zaheer Khan and Javagal Srinath to become India’s highest wicket-taker in World Cup history. It is worth noting that Khan and Srinath both pocketed 44 World Cup wickets each during their playing days, achieving the same in 23 and 33 matches respectively.
Shami soared past both in significantly lesser time, taking just 14 matches to reach 45 wickets.
Moreover, the Indian speed gun also bagged his second five-wicket haul by dismantling Sri Lanka in the ongoing 2023 World Cup. Having claimed a five-fer in 2019 against England, Mohammed Shami is now the recipient of holding the highest number of five-wicket hauls in World Cup matches among Indian bowlers.
Shami now has the opportunity to further enhance his record, and possibly become the first Indian to complete 50 World Cup wickets. As of now, he is slated to take field against South Africa for his side’s subsequent World Cup 2023 challenge.
.jpg "Kohli, What Was That?")
 "Aakash Saini")