Shami fastest to 50 CWC wickets: What's India's top seamer's USP

CWC 2023: Mohammed Shami becomes the fastest bowler to take 50 wickets in ODI World Cup and what's differentiate him from others?

Shami has taken 23 wickets from 6 games in CWC 2023 (Photo: ©ICC/Twitter)

In a historic moment at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai during the semi-final clash against New Zealand, Indian pacer Mohammed Shami etched his name in the annals of cricketing history. By dismissing Tom Latham, he became the fastest bowler to reach the milestone of 50 wickets in ODI World Cups, accomplishing this feat in just 17 innings. This remarkable achievement surpassed the previous record held by Australia's pace sensation, Mitchell Starc, who took 19 innings to achieve the same landmark. Not only did Shami make history, but he also emerged as the first Indian bowler and the seventh overall to secure 50 wickets in the World Cup.

Shami's journey in the 2023 World Cup has been nothing short of spectacular. Despite not being the initial choice in the fast-bowling lineup for the first four matches, he displayed exceptional form, taking 23 wickets in six games, including three remarkable five-wicket hauls. In the semi-final against New Zealand, Shami delivered a spellbinding performance, becoming the first Indian bowler to claim seven wickets in a single ODI, finishing with astounding figures of 7/57. His outstanding display earned him the well-deserved "Player of the Match" title.

Read More: CWC 2023, Semi-Final 1, IND vs NZ: Shami's 7-57, Kohli & Iyer hundreds take India to fourth final

What sets Mohammed Shami apart from the rest?

What sets Shami apart from his peers is his ability to generate pace and movement, particularly troubling left-handed batsmen. His wristwork and release are a spectacle, enabling the ball to gather pace after pitching. The thrill of witnessing Shami lies in observing how he manipulates the ball's trajectory, skillfully exploiting the conditions to his advantage.

The 33-year-old right-arm fast bowler possesses a unique skill set, placing him in a category of his own. Neither a swing bowler nor a hit-the-deck-hard bowler, Shami's versatility adds to the challenges faced by opposing batsmen. While he may not swing the ball extensively, his precise seam positioning allows him to extract movement, both in the air and off the surface. This distinct ability sets him apart, making him a potent force in India's ODI bowling attack.

Shami's experience and match-winning prowess make him a crucial asset for the Indian team. His cricketing intelligence, particularly in subcontinent conditions, is exceptional. Shami's mastery in maintaining and performing with the ball in unhelpful conditions underscores his status as a seasoned bowler. Quick and unpredictable, he leaves batters with minimal reaction time.

Read More: CWC 2023, IND vs NZ: Shami takes fifer, Kohli scores 95 to execute another successful chase

Shami has taken 3 five wicket haul from 6 games in CWC 2023 (Photo: ©BCCI/Twitter)

Mohammed Shami’s impressive records in ODI World Cup 2023

In the ongoing World Cup, Shami has proven to be a valuable player for India, consistently delivering breakthroughs in challenging situations. Whether bowling in the powerplay, middle phase, or death overs, Shami's reliability with both new and old balls makes him a captain's go-to choice. His list of records in the tournament is impressive, including the best bowling figures of 7/57 for India in ODIs and the distinction of being the first bowler to achieve three five-wicket hauls in a single World Cup edition.

As the tournament unfolds, Mohammed Shami stands tall as a symbol of bowling excellence, a force to be reckoned with on the world stage. His ability to defy the odds, adapt to varying conditions, and consistently deliver exceptional performances cements his legacy as one of India's finest pace bowlers.

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