Mohammed Shami Concludes ICC CWC 2023 as Leading Wicket-Taker

India’s ace pacer, Mohammed Shami, has emerged as the leading wicket-taker of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, leaving an indelible mark on the tournament with his exceptional bowling performances. Shami’s remarkable journey saw him rise to the top of the wicket charts despite missing the initial part of the competition.

Shami made his entry into the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 during India’s fifth league stage match against New Zealand, and his impact was nothing short of sensational. In just seven matches, Shami scalped an astounding 24 wickets, averaging a remarkable 10.70, and boasting a blistering strike rate of 12.20. His remarkable figures of 7/57 stood out as the best by an Indian in World Cup history.

Throughout the tournament, Shami showcased his ability to consistently trouble the opposition batsmen, claiming three five-wicket hauls and a four-wicket haul. His performances were crucial in India’s campaign, making him the standout bowler of the competition.

Shami’s overall World Cup record is equally impressive. In 18 World Cup matches, he has accumulated a total of 55 wickets at an average of 13.52 and a strike rate of 15.81, with his best figures being 7/57. He has secured four five-wicket hauls during his World Cup career, the most by any bowler in the history of the tournament. His incredible achievements have placed him as the fifth-highest wicket-taker in World Cup history.

Australia’s Glenn McGrath remains the highest wicket-taker in World Cup history, with an astonishing 71 wickets in 39 matches.

While Mohammed Shami’s performance was undoubtedly exceptional, several other bowlers also left their mark on the tournament:

• Adam Zampa (Australia): Secured 23 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 22.39, with best figures of 4/8.
• Dilshan Madhushanka (Sri Lanka): Claimed 21 wickets in nine matches at an average of 25.00, with a best bowling performance of 5/80.
• Jasprit Bumrah (India): Took 20 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 18.65, with best figures of 4/39.
• Gerald Coetzee (South Africa): Achieved 20 wickets in eight matches at an average of 19.80, with best figures of 4/44.
• Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan): Managed to secure 18 wickets in nine matches at an average of 26.72, with a best performance of 5/54.
• Marco Jansen (South Africa): Bagged 17 wickets in nine matches at an average of 26.47, with a best of 3/31.
• Ravindra Jadeja (India): Contributed with 16 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 24.87, with best figures of 5/33.
• Josh Hazlewood (India): Took 16 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 28.06, with a best of 3/38.
• Mitchell Santner (New Zealand): In 10 matches, claimed 16 wickets at an average of 28.06, with best figures of 5/59.

In the final match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, Australia opted to bowl first, limiting India to a total of 240 runs in their allotted 50 overs. Rohit Sharma (47), Virat Kohli (54), and KL Rahul (66) played crucial knocks on a challenging batting surface. Mitchell Starc was the pick of the bowlers for Australia, finishing with figures of 3/55. Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood also made significant contributions with two wickets each.

However, India’s strong start in the final was countered by Travis Head’s magnificent century (137) and Marnus Labuschagne’s solid performance (58). They guided Australia to a comprehensive seven-wicket victory.

In the process, Mohammed Shami claimed one wicket, while Jasprit Bumrah took two. Travis Head was awarded the ‘Player of the Match’ for his remarkable century, capping off a thrilling end to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

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