Following Mohammed Shami’s outstanding bowling performances in the first ODI of the three-match series against Australia in Mohali, former India batsman Mohammad Kaif showered the star pacer with praise. India won the opening match of the three-match ODI series by five wickets to take a 1-0 lead.
Pat Cummins and company were dismissed by India, who chose to bowl first, for 276 runs in 50 overs. Shami was the best bowler for the hosts, taking five vital wickets and only giving up 51 runs in ten overs.
Shami is the most underestimated bowler in the world, but Kaif called him a World Cup hero and praised him on X. “Mohammed Shami is unquestionably the most underappreciated pacer in the world. He represents the World Cup for me. Mate lena, bhai ko halke. Thank you for your fifer,” the 42-year-old wrote.
See Mohammad Kaif X post:
Mohammed Shami is easily the world’s most underrated pacer. To me he is a world Cup hero.. bhai ko halke mein mat lena. Congrats on fifer#Shami #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/C3U7ELQOjt
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) September 22, 2023
The highlight was Shami’s five-wicket haul: R. Uthappa
Former Indian batsman Robin Uthappa hailed India’s batting performance in the opening ODI. Shami, whom he praised as well, was the star of the performance. He maintained further that India’s performance showed encouraging trends before to the much awaited ICC Cricket World Cup, which starts on October 5.
“The batting of Team India was superb! The middle order delivered a good finish, the openers set the stage, and @MdShami11’s 5-wicket haul was the star of the show. Both @klrahul and @surya_14kumar contributed strong 50s. India is showing encouraging indications before the World Cup, Uthappa said on X.
Team India’s batting was exceptional! Openers laid the foundation, middle order finished strong, and @MdShami11’s 5-wicket haul stole the show. Solid 50’s from @surya_14kumar and @klrahul as well. Promising signs for India ahead of World Cup. #IndvAus
— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) September 22, 2023
The Australia team, led by Cummins, was dismissed for 276 in 50 overs after being asked to bat first. Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ravichandran Ashwin each took one wicket for India in addition to Shami’s four. The Kangaroos’ leading scorer, David Warner, scored 52 runs off 53 deliveries, including six boundaries and two maximums.
Shubman Gill (74) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (71) of India’s batting team gave the 277-run chase a fantastic start by putting up a 142-run opening partnership. India’s middle order stabilised the innings despite losing three quick wickets. With eight balls left, India successfully completed the mark thanks to captain KL Rahul’s unbeaten 58 and Suryakumar Yadav’s crucial half-century.
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