IND vs NZ Semi-final: Mohammed Shami redeems dropped catch with two wickets, creates World Cup record

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IND vs NZ Semi-final: Mohammed Shami give the first two breakthroughs for India before a 181-run partnership for the third wicket between New Zealand captain Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell in the first semi-final of the World Cup 2023 on Wednesday.

Jasprit Bumrah created an opportunity to break the partnership when it was accounting for 147 runs in the 29th over, but Mohammed Shami dropped a sitter at mid-on. The already silent crowd was left shell shocked and hung their heads in disappointment.

The flashback of the 2019 World Cup semi-final where New Zealand handed India a heartbreaking 18-run defeat, had just started to creep in the minds of billions of Indian cricket team fans across the globe.

Mohammed Shami was brought back in the attack three overs later. Daryl Mitchell completed a 85-ball hundred on the first delivery of the 33rd over to increase the pressure further on India.

However, things quickly changed the next delivery when Shami redeemed himself the next delivery by getting the big wicket of Kane Williamson who departed for 69 runs off 73 balls. A delivery later, Shami trapped Tom Latham in front of the stumps to send him packing for a 2-ball duck.

New Zealand, who were cruising at 220/1 in 32.1 overs, were reduced to 220/4 in 32.4 overs by Mohammed Shami as he single-handedly brought back India in the match. New Zealand were choked for run after the twin blows during their 298-run chase at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Mohammed Shami fastest to 50 World Cup wickets

Kane Williamson's wicket was Mohammed Shami 50th in the ODI World Cups. No India bowler has achieved the feat before Shami. He also became the fastest bowler to pick 50 World Cup wickets. Australia left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc completed his 50th World Cup wicket in his 19th bowling innings. Shami recorded his 50th wicket in 17th innings.

In terms of balls taken, Shami (795) took 146 less deliveries than Starc (941). In the overall list of highest wicket-takers, Shami climbed to the seventh spot.