Shami's Five-Wicket Haul Inspires India to Mammoth Win Over Sri Lanka

What Mahendra Singh Dhoni remembers most from the 2011 World Cup final is not the winning six that he hit.

The former captain of India was inspired long before the festivities started by a full house at the Wankhede Stadium dancing to a fantastic performance of AR Rahman's Vande Mataram. Dhoni stated on a recent talk show that he was motivated to perform at his peak on that historic day by the scenes in the stands.

On Thursday, twelve years later, the Indian pace trio crushed Sri Lanka, reproducing similar scenes in the stadium.

As he surpassed Zaheer Khan's 44 wickets to become India's top wicket-taker in World Cups, Shami fell to his knees in gratitude to the Lord.

During the Indian innings, Dilshan Madushanka and Dushmantha Chameera had given the early hints, and the Shamis and Mohammed Sirajs had simply taken full advantage of the chance.

The fast bowlers liked the bounce and carry of the wicket. As demonstrated by players like Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and Shreyas Iyer during India's innings, it was also perfect for the strikers.

Though it was impossible for Sri Lanka to pursue 358, the way they gave up was unthinkable. India's seventh straight victory, 302 runs, ensured they would advance to the semi-final.

The Wankhede rose to the tune of Maa Tujhe Salaam as Mohammed Shami claimed his fifth wicket, Kasun Rajitha jabbing at an outgoing delivery into Shubman Gill's hands at second slip.

What Mahendra Singh Dhoni remembers most from the 2011 World Cup final is not the winning six that he hit.

The former captain of India was inspired long before the festivities started by a full house at the Wankhede Stadium dancing to a fantastic performance of AR Rahman's Vande Mataram. Dhoni stated on a recent talk show that he was motivated to perform at his peak on that historic day by the scenes in the stands.

On Thursday, twelve years later, the Indian pace trio crushed Sri Lanka, reproducing similar scenes in the stadium.

The Wankhede rose to the tune of Maa Tujhe Salaam as Mohammed Shami claimed his fifth wicket, Kasun Rajitha jabbing at an outgoing delivery into Shubman Gill's hands at second slip.

When Shami became the top wicket-taker, he fell to his knees in gratitude to the Lord.

for India in World Cups, surpassing the 44 goals scored by Zaheer Khan.

During the Indian innings, Dilshan Madushanka and Dushmantha Chameera had given the early hints, and the Shamis and Mohammed Sirajs had simply taken full advantage of the chance.

The fast bowlers liked the bounce and carry of the wicket. As demonstrated by players like Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and Shreyas Iyer during India's innings, it was also perfect for the strikers.

Though it was impossible for Sri Lanka to pursue 358, the way they gave up was unthinkable. India's seventh straight victory, 302 runs, ensured they would advance to the semi-final.

Shreyas Iyer on Thursday at the Wankhede.

Shreyas Iyer on Thursday at the Wankhede.

PTI image

Siraj and Shami were hitting their batting order so quickly that the Lankans were trembling. The batters were uneasy not only because of the pace but also because of the movement and discipline that made them make mistakes.

Siraj's name alone gives the Lankan batsmen chills, as his 6/21 in the Asia Cup final sent them reeling to 50 in 15.2 overs. On Thursday, it was marginally better because they were able to increase that total by five runs.

With the first delivery of the innings, Jasprit Bumrah set the tone by trapping Pathum Nissanka leg before. They had no idea that another terrifying beginning was in store for them.

In the fourth over, Sri Lanka crashed to 4/3 thanks to three wickets taken by Siraj.

Shami could not be stopped at that point. He used the bounce on the wicket to get the ball to jag off the seam, sending the batters running for cover. His World Cup-best five-wicket performance of 5/18 was also his best in One-Day Internationals.

The style in which Sri Lanka's most seasoned batter, Angelo Matthews, was castled by Mah­ami demonstrated his skill and ability. The full length of it pitched and swung toward him as he

a wide-ranging drive was made. But since he had misread the length, it was too late.

Dushan Hemantha was guilty of poking at a delivery outside the off stump, while Dushmantha Chameera was the victim of being unable to handle the brief delivery.
With 14 wickets in just three matches, Shami will be hard for Rohit Sharma to exclude from the starting lineup. Rohit didn't disclose that none of the bowlers were prepared to sit out a game in order to capitalize on their momentum until the night before the game.

"You are witnessing this (wicket-taking) storm because we have established the rhythm," Shami remarked.

"Our bowling team is playing fantastically. Yes, we are having a great time and cooperating as a team.

India has decided on their bowling lineup for the remaining games: three pacers and two spinners. The weather, with a little nip in the air, will benefit the pacers.

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