India haven’t been bowled out once in the ICC World Cup 2023. India didn’t allow the rivals to touch a 200-run mark in the previous three matches.

England couldn’t go beyond 150, Sri Lanka managed 55, and South Africa accumulated 83.

Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav have been unstoppable.

Shami (16 wickets), Bumrah (15 wickets), Jadeja (14 wickets), Kuldeep (12 wickets) and Siraj (10 wickets) have been magnificent for the Men in Blue.

There has been talks whether this is the best bowling attack of India in white-ball cricket. Sourav Ganguly bluntly said no.

“It is not the best pace attack of India. Zaheer Khan, Javagal Srinath and Ashish Nehra were phenomenal in the 2003 World Cup,” he told Sports Tak.

Zaheer (18 wickets), Srinath (16) and Nehra (15) took India to the final in South Africa.

“But yeah it is excellent to see Bumrah, Siraj and Shami in action. Bumrah is a class bowler and his presence makes a massive impact on the other two,” he added.

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Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has weighed in on the battle for wickets between Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah in the 2023 World Cup, predicting that Shami will emerge with higher figures by the end of the tournament.

Gambhir, speaking on Sportskeeda’s YouTube channel, acknowledged the exceptional performances of both bowlers in the ongoing World Cup. Bumrah, with 15 wickets from eight matches at an average of 15.53, has showcased his prowess. Meanwhile, Shami has been nothing short of impressive, claiming 16 scalps in just four matches, boasting an incredible average of seven.

When asked to predict the leading wicket-taker between the two, Gambhir asserted that it’s a tough one.

“It’s a tricky choice. I’d go with Shami because opponents avoid challenging Jasprit Bumrah. He’s such a skilled bowler that teams hesitate to face him. Often, the top bowler doesn’t top the wickets chart because opponents prefer to play it safe. When you watch Bumrah’s early overs, no one dares to take him on. Many times, the team’s standout bowler maintains an excellent economy rate but doesn’t rack up many wickets,” he said.

Shami’s notable absence from India’s playing XI in the early stages of the World Cup did not hinder his impact. Upon his inclusion in the Indian squad, he delivered outstanding performances, including figures of 5/54, 4/22, 5/18, and 2/18.

Cricket fans will watch closely to see if Gambhir’s guess about the wickets of the two Indian bowlers is right as the World Cup goes on.

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New Zealand is the toughest opponents to beat for India in the ICC event. It was after 20 years that the Men in Blue managed to thump the Kiwis in the World Cup. The previous win before the ongoing competition came in 2003.

Kane Williamson-led team has almost reached the semi-finals of the ICC World Cup 2023 and will face the host nation at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on November 15.

Former Kiwi player Mitchell McClenaghan took to X to write about the nervousness of the sub-continent outfit.

“India just got real nervous,” he wrote. In their encounter in the 2023 World Cup, India defeated the rivals by 4 wickets. It was a nervy wim for the 2011 champions as New Zealand managed to surprise them with their comeback.

The situation was getting out of control when Daryl Mitchell and Ravindra Jadeja were going strong at the time of batting. However, Mohammed Shami brought the team back into the game by sending back Ravindra to the dressing room and there was no looking back.

Virat Kohli stood up in the batting department with a fine 95. He had to bat deep along with Ravindra Jadeja to take India home at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Stadium.

The two sides have competed in 10 50-over World Cup matches; out of these, the Kiwis secured a win in 5 while India emerged came on top on 4 occasions. One match ended without a result.

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Indian pacers have been on song in the ICC World Cup 2023. Mohammed Shami (16 wickets), Jasprit Bumrah (15 wickets) and Mohammed Siraj (10 wickets) have completely destroyed other sides in the tournament.

Glenn Maxwell, who played the best ODI innings ever in the World Cup game against Afghanistan, lauded the Indian pace attack.

“They are bowling beautifully at the moment. Mohammed Shami’s seam is the most straight thing in the world. Netherlands will not be able to face them,” he said on Club Prairie Fire.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan asked Maxwell if the Indian pace unit can be neutralized.

“Play reverse lap. On a serious note, attack their pacers and try to play shots early on. Let the ball get an edge on the ground even if it is swinging. Force the Indian team to introduce a spinner early on by going hard against the fast bowlers. Mohammed Shami has been excellent. Bumrah is bowling. Siraj is the guy who can be attacked but when he gets swing, he is tough to handle,” he added.

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In the pulsating world of international cricket, India national cricket team has emerged as an indomitable force in the ICC World Cup 2023, displaying a breathtaking performance that has captivated fans and experts alike. With an unparalleled record of eight consecutive victories and one final match awaiting against the Netherlands, India’s unbeaten streak stands as a testament to their exceptional skill, strategic brilliance, and unwavering determination. Under the inspiring captaincy of Rohit Sharma, the Indian team has showcased a blend of aggressive batting, a potent bowling attack, and remarkable team depth, leaving opponents in awe and cricket enthusiasts on the edge of their seats. This incredible journey to success can be dissected into five pivotal factors: the dynamic opening partnership, a perfectly balanced team composition, the prowess of their formidable bowling attack, the consistency of the middle-order batsmen, and Sharma’s masterful captaincy. As India’s quest for World Cup glory reaches its climax, let’s delve deeper into these compelling reasons that have propelled the Indian team into cricketing history.

1) Sharma and Gill: Channeling the Spirit of Legends

In the exhilarating saga of India’s unparalleled success in the 2023 ICC World Cup, the opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill has emerged as a formidable force, channelling the audacious spirit of cricketing legends Kaluwitharana and Sanath Jayasuriya from the iconic 1996 World Cup. Just as Kaluwitharana and Jayasuriya revolutionized the concept of aggressive opening batting, Sharma and Gill have seamlessly replicated their fearless approach, sending shockwaves through the opposition ranks. Like the Sri Lankan legends, the duo’s audacious style involves going hard at the bowling attack right from the outset, setting the stage for explosive innings. Sharma’s masterful technique, coupled with Gill’s youthful exuberance, has provided blazing starts and established a solid platform for India’s middle-order onslaughts. Their electrifying partnership mirrors the fearlessness of Kaluwitharana and Jayasuriya, showcasing India’s dominance in the tournament’s early overs.

2) Perfect Team Balance: The Heart of Success

Their impeccable team balance lies at the core of India’s undefeated spree in the 2023 ICC World Cup. With six proficient batters and five versatile bowlers, including the all-around prowess of Ravindra Jadeja, India has struck a harmonious equilibrium. This perfect balance has been the heartbeat of their success, allowing adaptability and resilience in various match situations. The strategic combination of aggressive stroke players and, reliable batting department finishers, and a formidable bowling attack epitomizes the essence of a well-rounded team. This equilibrium instills confidence and ensures that India can counter any challenge thrown their way, making it a formidable force to reckon with on the world stage.

3) The Bowling Behemoths: Shami, Siraj, and Bumrah

India’s bowling attack in the 2023 ICC World Cup stands as a testament to sheer brilliance and unwavering determination. The formidable trio of Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and Jasprit Bumrah, along with the spin expertise of Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, has caused immense trouble for opposing batsmen. With their lethal pace, accuracy, and spin combinations, they have orchestrated remarkable victories, consistently bowling out opponents. Their exceptional performances include bundling out Australia for 199, Pakistan for 191, Sri Lanka for a mere 55, England for 129, and South Africa for a paltry 83 runs. This dominant display highlights their ability to dismantle strong batting line-ups, providing India with crucial breakthroughs. Having bowled out teams in six out of eight matches, this bowling unit has been the cornerstone of India’s success, setting them apart as the tournament’s best bowling attack.

4) Middle Order Brilliance: The Pillars of Strength

India’s middle-order batting prowess has been a cornerstone of their unbeaten streak in the 2023 ICC World Cup, with KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer emerging as the show stars. Timing their peak form to perfection, Rahul has amassed a staggering 245 runs at an average of over 60, while Iyer has displayed remarkable consistency with 293 runs at an average of nearly 50. Their ability to stabilize the innings and accelerate when needed has been invaluable for India. Moreover, the finishing brilliance of Ravindra Jadeja cannot be overlooked. His composure under pressure and ability to steer India to victory in tight situations has been nothing short of exemplary. With the middle-order firing on all cylinders, India’s batting line-up has proven to be resilient and formidable, making them a force to be reckoned with in the tournament.

5) Rohit Sharma’s Masterful Captaincy

Under the astute leadership of Rohit Sharma, India has found a captain who not only leads from the front with his batting prowess but also exudes strategic brilliance on the field. Sharma’s decision-making acumen, tactical brilliance, and ability to inspire his team have been instrumental in India’s unbeaten run. His captaincy has brought out the best in each player, fostering a cohesive team spirit and resilience that have proven to be invaluable assets on the field.

In the grand tapestry of the 2023 ICC World Cup, India’s unbeaten run shines as a testament to their exceptional cricketing prowess and collective brilliance. India has showcased a cricketing masterclass with a dynamic opening partnership, a perfectly balanced team, a formidable bowling attack, and a dependable middle-order. Led by the strategic brilliance of Rohit Sharma, they have not just won matches but instilled fear in opponents. Their journey, marked by audacious strokes, precise bowling, and nerve-wracking finishes, has exemplified true sportsmanship and determination. As they gear up for the final clash, India stands as a team and a symbol of unwavering spirit, setting the stage for a glorious culmination of a memorable tournament.

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Mohammed Shami is firing all cylinders at the ICC World Cup 2023. He has taken 16 wickets from just four games, including two five-wicket hauls. He has been named the Player of the Match twice for his exceptional bowling.

Amid his on-field success, Shami has received a marriage proposal from one of the Bollywood actors.

Actress-turned-politician Payal Ghosh is ready to become Shami’s second wife

She took to her social media account to propose the Indian pacer.

“Shami Tum apna English sudharlo, I’m ready to marry you,” she wrote.

Payal Ghosh was born in 1992 in Kolkata. She completed her education from St. Paul’s Mission School and graduated in political science from Scottish Church College.

Payal came to Mumbai to work in movies. She met Chandra Sekhar Yeleti, who gave her the break in Prayanam. She has been a part of movies like Varshadhaare, Oosaraveli, Mr. Rascal, Patel ki Punjabi Shaadi. In 2020, she became the vice president of the women’s wings of the Ramdas Athawale’s political party.

Shami married Hasin Jahan in 2014 and they were blessed with a daughter in 2015. However, things turned ugly between them after Hasin filed case against the Indian player, accusing him infidelity, match-fixing and domestic domestic violence.

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Mohammed Shami had enough of Hasan Raza’s baseless statments against the Indian team and the pacer finally decided to take a stand for himself and his teammates.

He hit out at the former Pakistan player and others present on the show. His friend Umesh Kumar also took to X to remind the critics like Raza that Shami is your father and father is a father.

“शर्म करो यार कभी तो दूसरे की कामयाबी पर तारीफ़ करनी चाहिए, बाक़ी शमी तुम्हारा बाप है और बाप बाप ही होता है।@MdShami11 (Shame on you people. Sometimes it is good to appreciate the success of someone. Meanwhile, Shami is your father and father is a father).”

Shami reacted to his friend’s comment.

“Hahhaha thanks bhai love you ❤️ bhai ye log alag duniya k loge hai ye log dusre ka success se jalte hai or apna ko chupane k liye ye harkate kar rahe hai bus ye to wahin hai just like a wow 😀😀😀😀 (Thanks brother. Love you. Brother, these people are from different world. They are jealous of someone else success. They are doing it to hide themselves).”

Raza had said that ICC is giving different balls to the Indian team to allow their bowlers to get more seam and swing from other teams.

He also stated that DRS has been manipulated in favour of the host nation.

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Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj have formed a formidable trio for India in this World Cup. India emerged as the best bowling unit in this tournament and have restricted opponents to lesser totals, resulting in big-margin wins for the Men in Blue.

Recently, former Pakistan player Hasan Raza made it to the headlines after he alleged that ICC is giving a different ball to Indian bowlers, which is why they have performed well in this tournament. He also accused them of manipulating the DRS.

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Dream11 Team -VIDEO

In the latest events, Shami has hit back at Raza and took to Instagram to give him a befitting reply.

“Sharam karo yaar game par focus karo na ki faltu bakwas par kabi to dusre ki success ko enjoy kia karo chii yar. ICC World Cup hai apk local tournament nahi hai or Ap player hi the na (Have some shame, focus on the game and not pass on useless comments. Enjoy someone else’s success. This is the ICC World Cup, not some local tournament).”

“Wasim bhai ne samjhaya hai explain kia tha phir bhi. hahahahaha. Apne player apne Wasim Akram par yakhin nahi apko. Apna tarif karne mein lage hai janab aap toh just like a wow (Wasim Akram had explained even then. At least trust your own player. You are busy praising your own self, just like a wow)” Shami posted on his Instagram story.

Here is the video that Shami posted in his story.

Shami mentioned Wasim Akram in his post because the former left-arm seamer defended Indian bowlers on a talk show and slammed Hasan Raza for his remarks.

The post “Sharm karo, game par focus karo na ki faltu bakwas par”: Mohammed Shami to Hasan Raza for his different ball claim appeared first on Crictoday.

Mohammed Shami is in the form of his life and has taken the ICC World Cup 2023 by storm. The 33-year-old who was left out of the playing XI until Hardik Pandya got injured, has taken 16 wickets in just four games.

Shami is India’s leading wicket-taker in this World Cup and his 16 wickets include two five-wicket haul.

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Dream11 Team – VIDEO

In the latest events, Shami’s estranged wife Hasin Jahan, appeared on a News channel, where she was asked about her views on her husband’s performance. Hasin wished India to do well but also stated that she does not want Shami to do well.

She also went on record to comment that if Shami performs well and earns well, it will make her future secure.

“Kuch bhi hai, accha perform kar raha hai, accha khelega, team main bana rahega, achha kamayega toh humara bhavishya secure rahega. (Whatever it is, if he is performing well, he will stay in the Indian team and earn well, it will secure our future).”

“I will give my best wishes to India but not him,” Jahan said during an interview for News Nation. Here is the video.

In 2018, Shami’s wife Hasin Jahan made allegations of adultery, domestic violence, rape and match-fixing against the Bengal speedster.

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The fourth week of the 2023 World Cup is behind us. After four weeks, South Africa were on the top of the points table, with 12 points from seven matches, while hosts India were second with 12 points from six games, remaining unbeaten again. Australia were steady at third with eight points, extending their winning run to four consecutive matches. New Zealand slipped to fourth. They have now lost three games in a row after beginning with four consecutive wins. Pakistan moved up to fifth spot with a crucial seven-wicket win over Bangladesh.

Looking at the second half of the points table, Afghanistan remain in the hunt for a top-four finish, with six points from six games. Sri Lanka and the Netherlands were on four points each, while Bangladesh became the first team to be knocked out after losing to the Netherlands. England remain last after another luckless week. Here is the World Cup XI for week four.

Openers: Rohit Sharma (c), Travis Head

Indian captain Rohit Sharma would lead the World Cup team of week four. The Indian captain played a fine knock of 87 off 101 balls against England in Lucknow. On a challenging batting surface, he held the innings together after the early loss of wickets put India in trouble.

Quinton de Kock scored another hundred in week four, but we went for Travis Head as Rohit’s opening partner. The Aussie made a brilliant comeback from injury, smashing 109 off only 67 balls against New Zealand in Dharamsala. His innings put the Kiwis on the back foot from the word go.

Middle order: Fakhar Zaman, Rassie van der Dussen, Scott Edwards (wk)

Fakhar Zaman made a stupendous comeback after being dropped from the playing XI due to poor form. He scored a crucial 81 off 74 balls against Bangladesh in Kolkata, which helped Pakistan register a significant win.

South African batter Rassie van der Dussen hammered a brilliant 133 off 118 balls in the match against New Zealand in Pune. The innings featured nine fours and five sixes as the Proteas posted 357/4.

There were many big knocks in the 2023 World Cup in week four, but Netherlands’ captain and keeper-batter Scott Edwards found a place for his defiant half-century in their triumph over Bangladesh. With this team in trouble, Edwards anchored the innings with 68 off 89 balls, which went a long way in Netherlands victory.

All-rounders: Glenn Phillips, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen

This was the week of all-rounders in the 2023 World Cup. Three of them thus feature in the XI of week four. Glenn Phillips picked up 3/37 in New Zealand’s clash against Australia in Dharamsala. He also scored a defiant 60 in the big loss to South Africa.

Azmatullah Omarzai came up with a wonderful all-round effort in the win over Sri Lanka in Pune. He first picked up the big wicket of in-form opener Pathum Nissanka and then hammered an unbeaten 73 off 63 in the chase of 242.

Proteas all-rounder Marco Jansen scored a handy 20 against Pakistan and then claimed 3/43. Against New Zealand, he picked up another three-wicket haul. Jansen had 16 wickets to his name from seven games after week four.

Bowlers: Shaheen Afridi, Mohammed Shami, Tabraiz Shamsi

Pakistan’s left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi makes the team of the week after lifting himself following a middling start to the tournament. The pacer picked up 3/45 against South Africa and followed it up with 3/23 versus Bangladesh.

Indian pacer Mohammed Shami had another exceptional game. He followed up his five-for against New Zealand with 4/22 against England as India successfully defended a total of 229. India have been even more lethal in bowling with Shami’s addition. 

Proteas left-arm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi starred with 4/60 and was Player of the Match as South Africa registered a close one-wicket win over Pakistan. Shamsi got the big wickets of Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel.

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