Demonstrating cricketing prowess, India clinched their tenth consecutive win, propelling them into the 2023 World Cup final. The game featured a total of 724 runs, with particular emphasis on the remarkable display by Super Shami, who secured an impressive seven wickets.
Operating as India’s first-change bowler, Shami left an immediate impact by dismissing both New Zealand openers in rapid succession. His exceptional seam bowling under the floodlights set the tone for India’s defensive strategy. Despite a resilient comeback from the Kiwis, highlighted by a noteworthy 181-run partnership between Mitchell and Williamson, India encountered challenges marked by lapses in their fielding.
Inconsistencies crept into India’s performance, manifesting in leaked extras, misfields, a missed stumping opportunity by KL Rahul, and a dropped catch by Shami. This marked the inaugural instance of India facing pressure in the tournament. Nonetheless, Shami, acting as the redeemer, displayed his mettle by providing crucial breakthroughs. He dismissed Williamson and trapped Latham lbw in the same over, reclaiming the momentum for India.
The combined efforts of the Indian team, coupled with Shami’s stellar performance, cemented their journey to the World Cup final. This triumph not only extends India’s unparalleled winning streak but also highlights their resilience in navigating challenging situations on the cricket field.
Mohammed Shami, Player of the Match
I was waiting for my turn. I wasn’t playing much white ball cricket. I had in mind, we talk about a lot of things like yorkers and slower balls. I tried to take wickets with the new ball. I try to take as many as I can with the new ball. I dropped the catch of Kane. I felt bad. I tried to take pace off. They were playing their shots. So, I took a chance. The wicket was good. There was the fear of dew. The grass was cut off nicely. The runs were enough. Had dew come in, things could have been bad. The slower balls might not have worked. I feel amazing. This is a huge platform. We lost in the semis in the 2015 and the 2019 WC. Looking to cash in with the chance I have been given. We don’t know when all of us will get a chance like this again.
PM Modi congratulates Shami on stellar performance
During the festive atmosphere, Prime Minister Narendra Modi utilized Twitter to commend Shami’s exceptional contribution. Modi’s tweet conveyed, “The Semi Final today holds even greater significance due to exceptional individual performances. The bowling by @MdShami11 in this match and throughout the World Cup will be remembered by cricket enthusiasts for generations. Well done, Shami!”
Modi’s recognition underscores the importance of Shami’s role in India’s victory. Shami’s capacity to excel under pressure, particularly in a pivotal knockout match, highlights his skill, composure, and dedication to the team’s triumph.
World Cup Stats: Most sixes in a World Cup match
33 – ENG vs AFG, Manchester, 2019
32 – AUS vs NZ, Dharamsala, 2023
31 – NZ vs WI, Wellington, 2015 QF
31 – SA vs SL, Delhi, 2023
30 – IND vs NZ, Mumbai WS, 2023 SF
Highest aggregates in a World Cup match
771 – AUS vs NZ, Dharamsala, 2023
754 – SA vs SL, Delhi, 2023
724 – IND vs NZ, Mumbai WS, 2023
714 – AUS vs BAN, Nottingham, 2019
689 – PAK vs SL, Hyderabad, 2023
Previous record for CWC knockouts: 643 – NZ vs WI, Wellington, 2015 QF
Most wins in a single World Cup edition
11 – Australia (2003)
11 – Australia (2007)
10* – India (2023)
9 – India (2003)
8 – Sri Lanka (2007)
8 – New Zealand (2015)
Most consecutive wins in World Cups
25 – Australia (1999-2011)
11 – India (2011-2015)
10* – India (2023)
9 – West Indies (1975-1979)
Most runs in a World Cup edition for New Zealand
578 – Kane Williamson (2019)
578 – Rachin Ravindra (2023)
552 – Daryl Mitchell (2023)
547 – Martin Guptill (2015)
499 – Scott Styris (2007)
456 – Martin Crowe (1992)
Most sixes in a World Cup edition
28 – Rohit Sharma (2023)
26 – Chris Gayle (2015)
24 – Shreyas Iyer (2023)
22 – Eoin Morgan (2019)
22 – Glenn Maxwell (2023)
22 – Daryl Mitchell (2023)
Best bowling returns for India in ODIs
7/57 – Mohammed Shami vs NZ, Mumbai WS, 2023 WC
6/4 – Stuart Binny vs BAN, Mirpur, 2014
6/12 – Anil Kumble vs WI, Kolkata, 1993
6/19 – Jasprit Bumrah vs ENG, The Oval, 2022
6/21 – Mohammed Siraj vs SL, Colombo RPS, 2023
Previous WC record for India: 6/23 by Ashish Nehra vs ENG, Durban, 2003
Two (or more) World Cup five-fors against an opponent
2 – Mitchell Starc vs New Zealand
2 – Mohammed Shami vs New Zealand
Most wickets in a single World Cup edition
27 – Mitchell Starc (2019)
26 – Glenn McGrath (2007)
23 – Chaminda Vaas (2003)
23 – Muttiah Muralitharan (2007)
23 – Shaun Tait (2007)
23 – Mohammed Shami (2023)
Previous record for India: 21 – Zaheer Khan (2011)
Best bowling returns in a World Cup match
7/15 – Glenn McGrath (AUS) vs NAM, Potchefstroom, 2003
7/20 – Andy Bichel (AUS) vs ENG, Gqeberha, 2003
7/33 – Tim Southee (NZ) vs ENG, Wellington, 2015
7/51 – Winston Davis (WI) vs AUS, Leeds, 1983
7/57 – Mohammed Shami (IND) vs NZ, Mumbai WS, 2023
Previous record for WC knockouts: 6/14 by Gary Gilmour (AUS) vs ENG, Leeds, 1975
Most five-fors in World Cups
4 – Mohammed Shami
3 – Mitchell Starc
Shami also became the first bowler to bag three five-fors in a single World Cup edition.