ODI World Cup 2023

Mohammed Shami admits being under pressure after dropping Kane Williamson in World Cup 2023 semi-final

India’s journey in the recent ODI World Cup was nothing short of sensational. They embarked on a breathtaking 10-match winning streak, leaving fans and pundits alike awestruck. Playing on home soil, the Men in Blue seemed destined to lift the coveted trophy, their aura of invincibility only strengthened with each victory. The stars, it seemed, were aligning for a fairytale ending.

However, fate had other plans. In a heartbreaking turn of events, Australia emerged victorious in the final at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The defeat, though a bitter pill to swallow, does not diminish the brilliance of India’s performance throughout the tournament. Fans across the nation are undoubtedly proud of the team’s indomitable spirit and the incredible feats they achieved.

One of the key factors behind India’s breathtaking 10-match winning streak was the exceptional form of its players. Each member of the squad stepped up at crucial moments, contributing to the team’s success. Among these standout performers was Mohammed Shami, whose journey at the World Cup was nothing short of mesmerizing. Shami’s World Cup story is one of resilience and seizing opportunities. He wasn’t even included in India’s initial playing XI, but an unfortunate injury to Hardik Pandya opened the door for him. And when he entered, he didn’t just walk in, he burst onto the scene like a supernova.

Mohammed Shami was ODI World Cup 2023’s best bowler with 24 wickets in just 7 games

His bowling figures speak for themselves: 24 wickets in just 7 games. This statistic is staggering, but it only tells part of the story. Shami’s bowling was a masterclass in seam, pace, and precision. He rattled top-order batsmen, dismantled middle-over partnerships, and sent tailenders packing with his lethal bowling. His performance wasn’t just about statistics; it was about passion, heart, and an unwavering commitment to the team. He embodied the spirit of the Indian cricket fan, a player who thrives on pressure and delivers when it matters most.

His standout performance came in the all-important semi-final as he returned figures of 7-57 to help India book a spot in the Final. However, there was a moment during the game where he found himself under pressure. New Zealand’s batters, Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell were playing extremely well and it seemed like the game was going away from India. In the 29th over of the second innings, Jasprit Bumrah created an opportunity but Shami dropped the chance and it seemed like he had dropped the game.

In a recent interaction with Sports Tak, he admitted that he found himself under pressure after that miss. “Things changed after that dropped catch. I had never expected that I could drop such a catch. I thought to myself that now he has to get out at any cost. I was under a lot of pressure after that. When I was running to bowl, I thought that either he was going to hit me for three sixes, or I would get him out,” he said. Shami managed to come back strong, putting up a performance of note and taking India through to the Final.

In recent news about Shami, the senior pacer is likely to miss the upcoming 2-match Test series against South Africa due to an ankle injury that he’s been battling of late.