Many cricket pundits and enthusiasts thought Mohammed Shami should have been in the Indian playing 11 from the start of the competition. Shardul Thakur was chosen instead by the management of the Indian team. Shami didn’t get the opportunity to represent Team India until the sixth game of the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023. Shami demonstrated his value in the contest against New Zealand by picking up a spectacular five-wicket haul in his ten-over stint. His contribution enabled India to keep the Kiwis’ score below 300. After his outstanding performance, former pacer Irfan Pathan even compared Shami to a “Ferrari,” saying that every time he enters the field, he consistently delivers speed and thrill.
Ahmed Shami is comparable to a Ferrari. Irfan Pathan wrote on his ‘X’ handle, “Whenever you take it out of the garage it will provide u same speed excitement and joy to ride every time.
Mohammed shami is like Ferrari. Whenever you take it out of garage it will give u same speed thrill and joy to ride every time. @MdShami11
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 22, 2023
With the help of Mohammed Shami’s five wickets, India defeated New Zealand and topped the standings.
As a result of his exceptional performance, Shami set numerous records. He became the first Indian player in the history of the ODI World Cup to record two five-wicket hauls. As the second-highest wicket-taker for India in World Cup history, he surpassed illustrious spinner Anil Kumble. Shami made his World Cup debut in 2015 and has taken 36 wickets so far; his best performance was 5/54.
India, which opted to field first in the match against New Zealand, got off to a strong start, cutting the Kiwis’ lead to 19/2 when they were on the powerplay. Mitchell and Rachin Ravindra’s 159-run partnership, however, enabled New Zealand to mount a comeback. However, India rallied in the subsequent innings to bowl out the Kiwis for 273 runs in 50 overs. Shami was India’s outstanding bowler, recording 5/54, while Kuldeep Yadav also did well, recording 2/73. With one wicket each, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj made a contribution.