‘There was some fear of dew’: Mohammed Shami on Wankhede wicket during NZ innings in WC semifinal | Cricket News
Indian captain Rohit Sharma lifts Mohammed Shami after he took the last wicket and overall seven wickets to beat New Zealand by 70 runs during the World Cup semifinal in Mumbai. (Photo: AP)
New Delhi: India finally broke their final four jinx after registering a thumping 70-run win against New Zealand in the ICC ODI World Cup semifinal match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Not only did they extend their winning streak, but also avenged their 2019 World Cup semifinal defeat against the Kiwis. And yet again, it was none other than Indian speedster Mohammed Shami who starred with the ball running through New Zealand’s batting order and registered record figures in the knockout game (7/57).
During the post-match presentation, Shami revealed that instead of picking early wickets with the new ball, the focus shifted to taking the pace off to force the counterparts to play lofted shots. The shift of focus could have backfired due to the dew factor and the Indian side feared that more runs could have been scored by New Zealand as grass was shaved off from the pitch.
Also Read: ODI World Cup 2023, IND vs NZ, Highlights: India end Kiwi jinx to enter final on landmark day for Kohli, Shami
“The wicket was very good, lots of runs were scored in the afternoon. There was some fear of dew, the grass had been shaved off from the wicket. If dew was there, it skids on and there’s a chance runs could’ve been made,” said Shami after bagging the Player of the Match award.
Multiple records for Shami in WC semifinal game vs New Zealand
Shami has run riot ever since he played his first match in the mega event. Since his first appearance against New Zealand in the World Cup, the veteran pacer has been tumbling records and continued his rich vein of form leaving no stone unturned in the semifinal against the Blackcaps.
Not only Shami’s figures against New Zealand was the best by an Indian ODI World Cups, but he reached the 50-wicket mark in the tournament and became the leading wicket-taker in this edition. It doesn’t end here. The 33-year-old became the fifth bowler overall to have taken a seven-wicket haul in a World Cup match.
Also Read: Shami Storm! How impactful Mohammed Shami single-handedly made New Zealand surrender in World Cup semi-final
Till now, Shami has three fifers in his kitty and a four-wicket haul against England and has been the Men in Blue’s most impactful bowler. It won’t come as a surprise if the speedster goes on to win the Player of the Tournament award. India now march towards Ahmedabad to face either South Africa or Australia in the summit showdown.
Full Coverage of India vs New Zealand Mega World Cup Semifinal Clash
