Cricket
World Cup 2023: Mohammed Shami proved a point, says Ramiz Raja after 5-wicket haul vs New Zealand
[ad_1]
Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja has showered praise on India pacer Mohammed Shami, saying he proved a point against New Zealand. Shami claimed a 5-wicket haul to guide India to a 4-wicket win against New Zealand at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala.
ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023: Full Coverage
Speaking on his Youtube channel, Raja said that Indian players on the bench are capable of replacing any member in the starting XI. Shami was awarded the Player of the Match award in his debut match in the 2023 World Cup.
“It is very tough to take a five-wicket haul after being benched. It was a very big performance. This is why India are so strong. The players on the bench are very capable of replacing any member of the playing XI and winning the Player of the Match award,” said Raja.
He went on to say that Shami was phenomenal in the death overs and proved a point with his performance. Shami became the first Indian bowler to claim multiple 5-wicket hauls in ODI World Cups.
“He was phenomenal in the death overs. He proved a point. Shami should have played a lot earlier, as he is a match-winner. India powered their way back into the game during the death overs. It would have been a lot tougher had the score been somewhere around 310,” Raja added.
Raja called India’s fast-bowling attack world-class, adding that they have a killer combination of three pacers. India registered their fifth straight win in the competition to go top of the World Cup 2023 points table.
“India’s fast bowling in the last 10 overs was world-class. Once upon a time, Pakistan used to bowl like this. India have become a top-quality team with the ball. They have a killer combination in the form of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Mohammed Shami,” said Raja.
India now has 10 points from five matches, with a net run-rate of +1.353.
[ad_2]
