Dubai [UAE]: Mohammed Shami once again proved why he is called ‘Mr ICC’ with a scorching spell in the Champions Trophy semi-final against Australia, leading India’s charge to bundle out the Aussies for 264. Shami’s clinical performance saw him return with figures of 3/48, making him the third-highest wicket-taker for India in ICC ODI knockout matches.
Shami’s Record-Breaking Feat
- With his latest haul, Shami has now taken 13 wickets in 5 ICC ODI knockout matches at an average of 19.76.
- He surpassed Harbhajan Singh (11 wickets, average 29.27) to claim the third spot.
- Zaheer Khan remains India’s top wicket-taker in ICC ODI knockouts with 17 wickets in 11 matches (average 28.64), followed by Sachin Tendulkar with 15 wickets at an average of 26.66.
Key Dismissals: Shami’s Impact on the Game
- Cooper Connolly: Shami drew first blood by dismissing the youngster for a nine-ball duck.
- Steve Smith: The Indian seamer cleaned up the Australian skipper for 73 (96), maintaining his dominance over Smith in ODIs, having dismissed him five times for an average of 24.60.
- Nathan Ellis: Shami capped off his spell by dismissing Ellis, further denting Australia’s innings.
Australia’s Resistance: Smith and Carey’s Efforts
- Steve Smith: Anchored the innings with a gritty 73 off 96 balls.
- Alex Carey: Played a crucial knock of 61 with eight fours and a towering six, helping Australia post a fighting total of 264.
Spin Web: Varun Chakravarthy and Ravindra Jadeja
- Varun Chakravarthy: Impressed with figures of 2/49.
- Ravindra Jadeja: Bagged 2/40, continuing his consistent run in the middle overs.
- Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya chipped in with a wicket each, ensuring Australia never got away.