XtraTime Web Desk: MS Dhoni proves it again why he is rated as a “priceless weapon’ in Indian cricket. Mohammed Shami who took an ineffable hat-trick against Afghanistan last night, hadn’t played India’s first 4 matches at ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 but an injury to Bhuvneshwar Kumar paved the way for his inclusion in the playing XI for the Afghanistan tie in Southampton on Saturday.
Shami made best use of the opportunity that came his way by becoming only the 2nd bowler after Chetan Sharma from India to pick up a World Cup hat-trick. Defending 16 runs in the final over, Mohammed Shami, picked up 3 wickets in successive deliveries, to restrict Afghanistan to 213 in a low-scoring thriller at the Rose Bowl.
Shami steamed in with aggression in the final over and got the big wicket of half-ceturion Mohammad Nabi with the 2nd ball of the 50th over. He then castled Aftab Alam with a full delivery. And when Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who is certainly not known for his batting skills, walked in at No. 11 for Afghanistan, the Southampton crowd was roaring in anticipation.
Shami came up with a perfectly-executed yorker that crashed into the leg-stump. Shami celebrated in delight, the crowd roared in jubilation. The India pacer had entered an elite list and, more importantly, helped India clinch 2 crucial points.
“The plan was simple. To bowl a yorker and even Mahi bhai suggested that. He said, ‘Don’t change anything now as you have a great chance of getting a hat-trick. It’s a rare opportunity and you need to do the same thing. So I did what exactly I was told,” Mohammed Shami said.
Shami also insisted that he is focussed on making good use of the opportunities that come his way. The India pacer also pointed out that Mohammad Nabi’s knock in the tense chase gave the team a bit of a scare.
“Getting a chance in the playing XI is a bit of luck. I was ready that whenever I get a chance, I will have to utilise it. As far as hat-trick is concerned, it is a rarity at least in the World Cup. I am happy,” Shami added.
“There was a point when Nabi’s flow was irritating but it’s better if you don’t show your concern or irritation which the batsman would have gauged. We shouldn’t show our weakness. From the exterior, we should always show aggression. We knew that if Nabi was out, then match belongs us. He was the only batsman who could have built their innings.”
Having won 4 out of their 5 matches, India, who are 3rd on the 10-team points table, are well placed to reach the semi-final. The former champions next face West Indies on Thursday.