WC 2023: PM lauds Mohammed Shami as he re-writes history with dream spell against NZ

PTC News Desk: Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Team India on their outstanding performance in the One-Day International (ODI) World Cup semi-final against New Zealand. The night's star, Mohammad Shami, received a special mention in the Prime Minister's congratulatory message.

"Today's Semi Final has been even more special thanks to stellar individual performances too. The bowling by Mohammad Shami in this game and also through the World Cup will be cherished by cricket lovers for generations to come," PM Modi said on X. "Well played Shami," he added.

On Wednesday, Mohammed Shami made history by recording the best-ever wicket haul by an Indian bowler in 50-over World Cup history.

The highlights of India's win over New Zealand in the Cricket World Cup semifinal at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday were Shami's seven-wicket haul and Virat Kohli's record 50th ODI century.

Shami took seven wickets for 57 runs in 9.5 overs at a 5.79 economy rate.

His lethal spell overshadowed Ashish Nehra's World Cup figures of 6/23 against England in 2003, which were the best-ever by an Indian in World Cup history.

Shami's figures are also the fifth-best in World Cup history.

The pace legend also reached 50 World Cup wickets, making him only the seventh bowler to do so. Shami is also the quickest to reach the milestone, having done so in 17 innings, breaking Mitchell Starc's (Australia) record of 19 innings.

Shami has 54 wickets at an average of 12.90, an economy rate of more than 5, and a strike rate of 15.33 in 17 matches. His best bowling average is 7/57. He has the sixth-most wickets in tournament history.