"Things changed after that..." Mohammed Shami on dropping catch in 2023 ODI World Cup Semi-Finals against New Zealand

Mohammad Shami has gained a lot of popularity after his incredible performance in the World Cup. The India star pacer displayed a wonderful art of seam bowling taking 24 wickets from just 7 games. He also became the highest wicket-taker in the tournament despite missing out in the first 4 games. This is where he showed why he is one of the pacers to watch out for in international cricket. However, there was only one major hiccup in Shami’s campaign which featured in the semi-final against New Zealand.

The moment was in the 5th ball of the 29th over when Shami dropped the catch of Kiwi Skipper and star batter Kane Williamson of Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling at mid-on. This could have been a decisive moment since New Zealand were still in the game and was looking good while chasing a mammoth total of 397. This however became a redemption arc as Shami came back in the 33rd over dismissing Williamson and Tom Latham and getting his team back in the game.

Shami on the drop catch and redemption 

Shami explained the scenario in his words on Sports Tak saying “ "Things changed after that dropped catch. I had never expected that I could drop such a catch. I thought to myself that now he has to get out at any cost. I was under a lot of pressure after that. When I was running to bowl, I thought that either he was going to hit me for three sixes, or I would get him out”.  

Shami also gave his opinion on whether the target could be chased down stating “There was a thought that that target was chasable. The match was at the Wankhede Stadium, where there is true bounce. If there are set batters at the crease, it doesn't matter, even if you need to chase a 400-run target. You can't be safe after scoring that many runs, especially when you are up against an equal opponent". 

This shows why Shami is one of the most experienced and greatest pace bowlers for India right now. He was still sticking to his plans even when he knew he could go for runs as well. It will also be great to see how he performs in the upcoming test series versus South Africa where he will get enough swing and bounce to work with. He will be one of the key bowlers for India in South African conditions.