'Shami Was Toying Around With Sri Lankan Batters' - Wasim Akram
Mohammad Shami excelled at Wankhede Stadium (Twitter)
Wasim Akram applauded experienced Indian pacer Mohammed Shami for a match-winning spell in the ICC World Cup 2023 league-stage encounter in Mumbai on Thursday (November 2). The Pakistan fast-bowling legend heaped effusive praise on the firing Indian seamer as he continued his devastating run with the ball in hand.
Shami destroyed the Lankan batting unit with a terrific burst as India's first change in defence of the humongous 358-run target. The pace stalwart relished the new-ball collapse triggered by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj and went on to bag astonishing figures of 5 for 18 off just five overs to skittle the opposition for a disastrous 55 all out.
While Sri Lanka's spirit and NRR took a freefall with their horrendous collapse, Shami and India's roaring pace pack emboldened their status in front of a packed Wankhede crowd with the billions watching on television and live streaming across the globe.
Shami, who had taken a five-fer and a four-wicket haul in his earlier two outings of the tournament, especially enriched his reputation by ending the evening with 14 scalps for the competition in only three games at a jaw-dropping average of 6.71.
Wasim Akram Raves Over Mohammad Shami
Speaking to 'A Sports', Wasim also noted account of Shami's tally of wickets in World Cup history, which swelled up to 45 in just 14 outings since his first appearance at the quadrennial event back in 2015 in Australia and New Zealand.
The Pakistan great feels Shami's ability to move the ball laterally both ways against the right-handers and left-handers both sets him apart and makes him an integral cog in India's wheels as they further establish their grip as title contenders in the tournament.
"Five overs and 5 for 18. What a spell! He is the second bowler in the history of the World Cup to take three fifers. Only Mitchell Starc had taken before him. That's a massive deal. And most wickets for India in the World Cup. Another record for Shami. 45 wickets now Shami has," Wasim said.
"He bowls at a length that gives reward. From back of length he gets the ball to go in and away. (Khichi hui length, wo, karta hai Shami). He doesn't swing the ball as much as Bumrah but he gets the ball to seam. Overall Shami's performance was exceptional."
"He was just toying around with the Sri Lankan batters. Great to see, so impressed with his bowling not just in this game but in the whole World Cup. He has 14 wickets in three games. He waited for his turn and put up an incredible performance. He is only going to get better and it's good news for world cricket," he added.
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