In the thrilling finale of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, scheduled for November 19 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, cricket enthusiasts are gearing up for an epic clash between India and Australia. The road to the final has been paved with outstanding performances, with India securing their spot by defeating New Zealand in a nail-biting semi-final showdown at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
A standout moment in the semi-final was Virat Kohli’s stellar performance, securing his 50th ODI hundred and surpassing the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. Kohli’s consistent run-scoring has not only solidified his position as a cricket icon but also positioned him as the top run-scorer in the ongoing tournament.
The semi-final victory against New Zealand witnessed the exceptional bowling prowess of Mohammed Shami, who claimed a remarkable 7-fer. Shami’s contribution was nothing short of spectacular, and it marked a turning point in India’s campaign. What makes his feat even more remarkable is the fact that he was not part of the initial games of the tournament.
The strategic decisions made by the Indian team management became evident after the fourth game against Bangladesh in Pune. All-rounder and vice-captain, Hardik Pandya, who was a pivotal part of the initial matches, suffered an injury, prompting a reshuffle in the team. The situation demanded a shift in focus, with India opting for a more balanced approach.
Suryakumar Yadav stepped into the shoes of the injured Hardik Pandya, bringing his own flair to the team. The decision to bring in Yadav and reinstate Shami proved to be a masterstroke as Shami played a pivotal role in India’s journey to the final.
Mohammed Shami’s return to the playing XI saw an extraordinary display of skill and determination. In just six games, Shami has picked up an astounding 23 wickets, making him the leading wicket-taker in the current World Cup and securing his place as the leading wicket-taker in India’s World Cup history. His breathtaking spell in the semi-final not only secured victory but also earned him accolades from cricket pundits and former players.
Yuvraj Singh Calls Mohammed Shami As The ‘Player Of The Tournament’ In World Cup 2023
Former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh has heaped praise on Shami, declaring him the “Player of the Tournament” irrespective of the final outcome. Singh emphasizes the crucial role bowlers play in winning tournaments and lauds Shami’s impact, especially considering he did not feature in the initial matches.
“Shami is my Player of the Tournament even if India fail to win the trophy. He has been superb and as Gautam Gambhir says, bowlers win you tournaments. He didn’t play in the first few matches and look what he done after replacing injured Hardik Pandya,” Yuvraj said on Aaj Tak.
As India prepares for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 final against Australia, the spotlight is undeniably on the remarkable journey the team has undertaken.
