In a remarkable performance during the ICC World Cup 2023 match, speedster Mohammed Shami delivered a devastating spell against Sri Lanka, joining forces with pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj to instigate a stunning batting collapse by the 1996 world champions at the Wankhede Stadium.
Shami, the fast bowler, achieved his fourth five-wicket haul in One Day Internationals (ODIs), setting a new bowling record as Rohit Sharma’s Team India trounced Sri Lanka by a massive 302 runs in Mumbai. Surpassing the renowned bowling figures of Zaheer Khan and Javagal Srinath, Shami established himself as India’s top wicket-taker in ODI World Cup history.
In the grandest stage of them all, the World Cup, the veteran fast bowler has amassed an impressive 45 wickets for the Men In Blue in just 14 innings. To put this achievement in perspective, pacer Shami accomplished this remarkable feat in only 14 innings, whereas former India pacer Zaheer Khan took 23 innings to claim 44 wickets. The ex-India fast bowler Javagal Srinath also captured 44 wickets in 34 innings at the World Cup.
Speaking of Shami’s match-winning performance, the fast bowler left an indelible mark by dismissing Charith Asalanka in the 10th over. Shami sent Dushan Hemantha and Dushmantha Chameera back to the pavilion without scoring any runs as Sri Lanka crumbled to a mere 55 runs in 19.4 overs.
The veteran pacer added to his tally by dismissing Kasun Rajitha for 14 runs in the 17th over, securing his position as India’s leading wicket-taker in the ODI World Cup. Shami bagged five wickets while conceding only 18 runs in 5 overs. With their resounding 302-run victory over Sri Lanka, Team India, led by Shami’s outstanding performance, became the first team to secure a spot in the ICC World Cup semi-finals.