Mohammed Shami becomes fastest to 50 World Cup wickets
What's the story
India's pace merchant Mohammed Shami has scripted history, becoming the fastest bowler to accomplish 50 wickets in ICC Cricket World Cups.
He reached the milestone with his third wicket in India's semi-final game against New Zealand in the 2023 edition.
Shami has completed 50 wickets in just 17 games. Shami ended the match with a seven-wicket haul as India won by 70 runs.
Stats
Shami displaces Starc
Australian pacer Mitchell Starc was previously the fastest to attain 50 WC wickets, getting the feat in 19 games.
Shami has become the first Indian and overall the seventh bowler to attain 50 wickets in the competition.
Besides Starc (59), he has joined NZ's Trent Boult (52), Pakistan's Wasim Akram (55), SL's Muttiah Muralitharan (68), SL's Lasith Malinga (56), and Australia's Glenn McGrath (71).
Pick
Shami claims a majestic 7/57
Shami was once again the pick of India's bowlers, having picked up a match-winning seven-wicket haul.
He scalped New Zealand's first two wickets to get India on top.
The Indian seamer then dismissed NZ skipper Kane Williamson, which proved the game-changer.
Shami also got rid of Tom Latham, Mitchell, Tim Southee, and Lockie Ferguson. He conceded 57 runs in 9.5 overs.
Stats
Best average in WC history
Shami's bowling average in the tournament is a jaw-dropping 12.90.
No other bowler with at least 25 WC wickets even averages 16.
Shami's tally of four WC fifers is now the most for any bowler. He displaced Starc.
Shami's tally of eight four-plus wicket hauls is the most for a bowler in the competition's history.
Stats
His run across World Cups
Shami was sensational in his debut WC campaign as he finished with 17 wickets across seven games at 17.29.
He played just four games in the 2019 event but returned with 14 wickets at 13.78.
Meanwhile, he has raced to 23 wickets in just six matches. He has become the highest wicket-taker with 23 scalps.
He averages 9.13 in World Cup 2023.