Mohammed Shami's World Cup show 'surprised' Muttiah Muralitharan

NEW DELHI: Muttiah Muralitharan expressed his surprise on Sunday at the bowling performance of Indian pacer Mohammed Shami during the recently concluded ICC ODI World Cup 2023 in India.


"I was surprised with the way Mohammed Shami bowled. He is a great bowler, but he was really different in this World Cup," Muralitharan said.

On being asked whether there will be another Muralitharan, the spin legend said: "Another Muttiah Muralitharan - it is difficult to say. But I think different personalities will come, even better than me. It always happens..."

SHAMI IN WORLD CUP:

• Shami ended the ICC World Cup 2023 in India as the leading wicket-taker of the tournament
• Shami had missed out on the first half of the tournament
• Shami made an entry in India's fifth league stage match against New Zealand and made an impact that a lot of bowlers have not made in their entire World Cup careers.
• In seven matches, Shami took 24 wickets at an average of 10.70 and a strike rate of 12.20, with the best figures of 7/57

Shami had three five-wicket hauls and a four-wicket haul in the tournament and also gained the best bowling figures by an Indian in World Cup history.

SHAMI AND HIS DOMINATION IN WORLD CUPS

• In 18 World Cup matches, Shami has taken 55 wickets at an average of 13.52 and a strike rate of 15.81, with the best figures of 7/57
• The pacer has taken four five-wicket hauls in his WC career, most by any bowler.

Shami is the fifth-highest wicket-taker in tournament history. Australia's Glenn McGrath has the highest wickets in WC history, with 71 scalps in 39 matches.

SHAMI's WORLD CUP SHOW

• Consistent wicket-taker: Shami emerged as a consistent wicket-taker for the Indian team throughout the tournament. His ability to take crucial wickets at important junctures proved vital for India.

Variety in bowling: He showcased a diverse range of bowling skills, utilizing swing, pace, and clever variations to trouble batsmen. His adaptability on different pitches was commendable.

Economic and penetrative: Shami maintained a fine balance between containing runs and picking up wickets, displaying both economy and penetration in his bowling spells.

Pressure situations: He excelled in high-pressure situations, often delivering crucial breakthroughs when the opposition was building partnerships or during the death overs.

Fitness and durability: Throughout the tournament, Shami's fitness and durability were evident as he consistently bowled at good pace and maintained his effectiveness across matches, displaying resilience in a demanding schedule.