ICC Cricket World Cup 2023: What Pakistani Cricketers are saying about Mohammed Shami's performance in match against New Zealand?

 

India has reached the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, where it will clash with Australia for the title. On Sunday, November 19, Australia will face India in the final of the World Cup.

Mohammed Shami delivered a stellar performance for India in international ODI cricket, securing seven wickets for 57 runs in 9.5 overs, leading to the dismissal of the entire New Zealand team for 327 runs, falling 70 runs short of the target.

Mohammed Shami's exceptional display has earned praise from figures ranging from PM Modi to Rahul Gandhi, extending even to commendations from Pakistan.

Initially excluded from Team India's playing eleven, Shami fortuitously replaced an injured player. The outcome now underscores that omitting Shami from the initial lineup was an erroneous decision.

 

It is is magic: Ramiz Raja

Former Pakistan cricketer Ramiz Raja commented, "Taking seven wickets in ODI cricket is magic. Watching Shami bowl is enjoyable. His position and movement are excellent. He responded to all the criticism he faced. Shami played by default, but he delivered. He needs to improve his fielding a bit."

Extraordinary performance: Wasim 

Wasim Akram, former captain of the Pakistan cricket team, lauded Mohammed Shami's achievements, stating, "In this World Cup, he has taken 23 wickets. His seven-wicket performance in the semi-final is extraordinary."

You can be sure that the wicket is going to fall: Misbah-ul-Haq

Misbah-ul-Haq, another former Pakistan cricket team captain, shared insights on Shami's prowess in a TV show, saying, "When he comes round the wicket to the left-hander, you can be sure that the wicket is going to fall. The two wickets he took in the beginning were crucial because a left-hander on the crease would have been more challenging for India."

Political discussions also emerged

While India's triumph in the semi-finals against New Zealand was being celebrated, political discussions also emerged. Congress leader BV Srinivas recalled the time when Mohammed Shami faced severe trolling after India's defeat against Pakistan in 2021.

In a social media post, Srinivas highlighted an old tweet from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, where he stood in support of Shami during the trolling. Rahul Gandhi's tweet, which Srinivas re-shared, stated, "Mohammed Shami, we are with you. These people are full of hatred because no one has given them love. Forgive them."

In the 2021 T-20 World Cup opener, India lost to Pakistan, leading to social media targeting of Shami based on his religion. During that time, Rahul Gandhi, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah criticized the attacks and expressed support for Mohammed Shami.