Mohammed Shami overtakes Zaheer Khan, Javagal Srinath to become India's highest wicket-taker in ICC Cricket World Cup history

Mohammed Shami took a 5-fer against Sri Lanka in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match in Mumbai.

Indian pacer Mohammed Shami had a record-breaking evening at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Shami picked up yet another 5-wicket haul in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. He has also become the leading wicket-taker for India in the World Cup history. Shami has gone past Zaheer Khan and Javagal Shrinath. Zaheer Khan and Javagal Shrinath were the joint top wicket-takers for India with 44 wickets in World Cup events. 

Shami’s consistent run in the World Cup

Mohammed Shami overtook the two Indian pace bowling legends in just 14 games and remains a consistent performer for team India. Mohammed Shami has played in three World Cup events including the ongoing World Cup 2023. Shami picked up 17 wickets in his debut tournament in 2015 played in Australia and New Zealand. He played 7 games for Team India in that event. He picked up one 4-wicket haul in the tournament. 

In the next event played in England in 2019, Mohammed Shami didn’t play many games but he still made an impactful performance in the tournament for India, Shami played only 4 games in the tournament and picked up 14 wickets. Shami picked up a hat-trick against Afghanistan in Southampton. He also registered a 5-wicket haul and two 4-wicket hauls in the mega event. Team India were knocked out in the semifinal after losing to New Zealand. 

14 wickets in 3 games in World Cup 2023

With 31 wickets in 11 games, Shami was not part of India’s initial playing XI in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, but Hardik Pandya’s injury prompted team management to give Shami an opportunity. Shami remained consistent and picked up 14 wickets so far in the tournament. He got a 5-wicket haul twice in the tournament, one against New Zealand in Dharamshala and another against Sri Lanka in Mumbai, Shami picked 4 wickets against England in Lucknow. 

Also Read: Top 5 Indian bowlers with most wickets in ICC Cricket World Cup

Legendary Australian pace Glenn McGrath holds the record for the most wickets taken in World Cups. McGrath picked 71 wickets in 39 games. McGrath played 4 World Cups from 1996 to 2007. Muttiah Muralitharan is second on the list with 68 wickets in 40 games, Murali was part of five World Cups from 1996 to 2011. Australia’s Mitchell Starc is third on this list with 56 wickets in 24 games so far. 

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