IND vs NZ, semi-final: Mohammed Shami takes 4th 5-wicket haul in World Cups to set new record

Veteran India pacer Mohammed Shami picked up his fourth 5-wicket haul in World Cups during the semi-final against New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium to set a new record.

In the ICC 50-over tournament on Wednesday. With his 4th 5-wicket haul in the World Cup, Shami broke his tie with Australia pacer Mitchell Starc at the ODI World Cup. Notably, Starc has taken three five-wicket hauls in ODI World Cup history.

Shami also became the fastest bowler to take 50 wickets in the ODI World Cup during the semi-final against New Zealand. The Indian pacer reached the landmark in his 17th ODI World Cup innings, bettering Starc’s record once again.

This extraordinary achievement places Shami in the elite company of legendary bowlers, including Mitchell Starc, Trent Boult, Wasim Akram, Muttiah Muralitharan, Lasith Malinga, and Glenn McGrath. Notably, McGrath leads the pack with 71 wickets, followed closely by Muralitharan (68), Starc (58), Boult (52), Wasim (55), Malinga (56), and Shami (51).

With a jaw-dropping bowling average of 13-plus in the World Cup, Shami has demonstrated a level of bowling prowess that places him in a league of his own. No other bowler with at least 25 World Cup wickets even comes close, with none averaging below 16. Shami’s inaugural World Cup campaign in 2015 was nothing short of sensational, amassing a remarkable tally of 17 wickets in seven games, averaging an impressive 17.29.

Despite playing only four matches in the 2019 edition, he made a profound impact with 14 wickets at an astonishing average of 13.78. In the current tournament, his stellar form continues unabated, as he has taken 20 wickets in just six matches, further solidifying his reputation as a formidable force in the world of international cricket.

Notably, Shami was not in the Indian lineup for the first four matches of the 2023 World Cup. But, since his comeback against New Zealand in the group stage, he has been unstoppable, taking up wickets at will. He took 5-wicket hauls against New Zealand and Sri Lanka to become India’s highest wicket-taker in ODI World Cups.