India’s Mohammed Shami believes maintaining rhythm is the key to his World Cup success.
Paceman Shami took five for 18 as India thrashed Sri Lanka by 302 runs in Mumbai today to secure their seventh successive win and become the first team to clinch a semi-final spot.
Shami has played three games in the tournament, claiming 14 wickets at an average of 6.71. His five-for today saw him move ahead of Zaheer Khan and Javagal Srinath as India’s leading wicket-taker at World Cups with 45.
“I am trying [to do my best], as always, trying to pitch the ball in the right areas and trying to find the right rhythm, because in big tournaments, if you lose rhythm it’s very difficult to get it back,” Shami said.
“So right from the start, the attempt has been to focus on the right areas and right lengths, and it’s working, so why not try to repeat it?”
Most wickets for #TeamIndia in Men’s ODI World Cups ✅
Joint-highest five-wicket hauls (3) in Men’s ODI World Cups ✅
A milestone-filled evening for @MdShami11 👏👏#CWC23 | #MenInBlue | #INDvSL pic.twitter.com/mJwtbOEyTM
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 2, 2023
Sri Lanka were blown away as they attempted to chase down a victory target of 358.
At one stage they were 22 for seven and in danger of setting a new mark for the lowest score ever recorded in ODI history which still stands at 35. They were eventually all out for 55 thanks to Shami and Mohammed Siraj, who took three for 16.
“All the hard work we are putting in, the rhythm we have found, it’s because of that that you are getting to see the incredible things our bowling unit is doing,” Shami added at the post-match presentation.
“The rhythm we are bowling with, I can’t believe anyone will not enjoy it. So, yes, we are enjoying ourselves a lot and working together as a unit, and you are able to see the results of that.”
