The Indian Cricket Team stormed into the finals of ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 with a 70-run victory over New Zealand in the first semi-finals played at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on 15th November 2023.
Rohit Sharma won the toss and decided to bat first. It was an explosive start by Rohit Sharma who looked in sensational touch right from the word go not allowing the Kiwi bowlers to settle. Rohit was eventually dismissed for quickfire 47 laying a strong foundation for a big total. Virat Kohli’s record-breaking 50th ODI century, Shubman Gill’s 80, Shreyas Iyer’s century, and KL Rahul’s cameo helped India post 397 for 4 in 50 overs.
Mohammed Shami got the breakthrough for India on his first ball dismissing Devon Conway with a lovely catch by KL Rahul. He then got rid of Rachin Ravindra to put New Zealand under pressure. Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell steadied the ship for Kiwis. Shami was introduced into the attack again dismissing well-set Kane Williamson and Tom Latham in the same over to put breaks on New Zealand batting.
It was a remarkable spell as Shami then dismissed centurion Daryl Mitchell to break the backbone of New Zealand’s batting. He picked the wickets of Trent Boult and Lockie Ferguson in his final over to help Team India win the match by 70 runs. Shami ended with figures of 7 for 57 in 9.5 overs. For his match-winning efforts, Shami was named the player of the match award.
Shami is the leading wicket-taker in the tournament with 23 wickets from 6 matches so far. He picked 5 wickets against New Zealand at Dharmshala, 4 wickets against England at Lucknow, 5 wickets against Sri Lanka, and 2 wickets against South Africa at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, and did not pick any wickets against Netherlands.
Shami registered the best figures by an Indian in One-day international cricket surpassing Stuart Binny’s record of 6 wickets for 4 runs.
Other Bowlers To Pick 7 Wickets in World Cup History
Since the inception of the World Cup in 1975, there have been only a few instances that a bowler has grabbed 7 wickets in tournament history.
Glenn McGarth became the first bowler to pick 7 wicket haul in World Cup history. He achieved this milestone against Namibia as he grabbed 7 for 15 in 7 overs at Potchefstroom on 27th February 2003.
Andy Bichel produced a match match-winning spell against England with a 7 for 20 World Cup match at Port Elizabeth on 2nd March 2003. Australia won that match by 2 wickets.
New Zealand pace bowler Tim Southee grabbed figures of 7 for 33 in 9 overs against England at Wellington on 20th February 2015. He helped the Kiwis bowled out the visitors cheaply and won the match easily.
WW Davis showed his class with 7 for 51 in 10.3 overs for West Indies against Australia at Leeds on 11th June 1983. His bowling effort helped them to bowl out the Aussies cheaply and won the match by 101 runs.
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