Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh reserved the highest respect for India’s veteran pacer Mohammed Shami for the way he went about his business against the New Zealand national cricket team in Dharamsala. The right-arm paceman was waiting in the wings for an opportunity to feature in this edition’s ODI World Cup 2023.
Mohammed Shami who didn’t play in the first four games in the tournament was eventually given a chance to feature in the playing XI. He made a rock-solid statement with the ball by taking a wicket off his very first ball of this tournament. Shami went on to take an impressive five-wicket haul against New Zealand.
The right-arm paceman drew plaudits for his spectacular bowling performance as he registered 5/54 in his quota of 10 overs. His performance surely prevented New Zealand players from going all guns blazing in the fag end of the innings. New Zealand were bowled out for 273 with the help of Daryl Mitchell’s 130.
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Mohammed Shami knows where to pitch the ball: Harbhajan Singh
In reply, India chased down the target with two overs to spare and clinched the game by four wickets. Virat Kohli was the pick of the batters as he top-scored with 95. After the game, Shami was adjudged the Player of the Match for his decisive bowling spell.
During a discussion on Star Sports, Harbhajan Singh praised Mohammed Shami by saying, “He is a computer. He knows where to pitch the ball. He has done this job year after year. He is an extremely hard-working and proven player. I think about how can you keep him out. When you need batting at No. 8 and a little bowling, you are forced to sacrifice Mohammed Shami. I feel he should play in every match.”
