The Indian cricket team secured an exhilarating 70-run triumph over New Zealand in Wednesday’s World Cup semi-final, sparking jubilation among Indians. Virat Kohli’s historic 50th ODI century and an electrifying hundred from Shreyas Iyer, coupled with Mohammed Shami’s remarkable seven-wicket performance, propelled India into the final of the ICC World Cup 2023. The 33-year-old pace bowler took center stage by capturing crucial wickets at pivotal moments, creating a moment that would be immortalized in cricket history.
Following the victory, social media platforms erupted with a flurry of memes, celebrating India’s dazzling win and Shami’s match-winning heroics.
Shami concluded with outstanding figures of 7/57, making him the leading wicket-taker of the tournament, amassing 24 wickets in six games at a remarkable average of 9.13. His figures rank as the fifth-best in World Cup history, with Glenn McGrath’s 7/15 against Namibia in 2003 holding the top spot.
The seasoned paceman also reached 50 World Cup wickets, joining the ranks of only seven bowlers to achieve this feat. Notably, Shami accomplished this milestone in just 17 innings, surpassing Mitchell Starc’s record of 19 innings.
In addition to these achievements, Shami secured the best bowling figures by an Indian bowler in World Cup history, overshadowing Ashish Nehra’s 6/23 against England in the 2003 World Cup.
Apart from Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj each claimed a wicket. Shami was rightfully awarded the ‘Player of the Match’ for his stellar performance.
India set a formidable target of 398 runs for New Zealand, with Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer contributing centuries. Despite New Zealand’s efforts, they could only manage a score of 327. This victory marked India’s 10th consecutive win in the World Cup, and they are now set to compete in the finals on Sunday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
