Following the victory, Shami, who has emerged as a critical piece in India’s outstanding run in the second part of the league stage, fired a scathing shot at South Africa.
So far, India has remained unbeaten in the World Cup 2023. On the tough Eden Gardens surface on Sunday night, Indian spinners made a mockery of the South African batting line-up, scripting a record 243-run triumph to remain unbeaten in the competition. Following the victory, Mohammed Shami, who has emerged as a critical piece in India’s outstanding run in the second part of the league stage, took a scathing shot at South Africa.
The encounter against South Africa was regarded as India’s true test for a reason, particularly for the bowling lineup following the announcement that Hardik Pandya would miss the rest of the World Cup due to an ankle injury. The hitters from South Africa have resisted their opponents’ attacks with ruthlessness. Before the match in Kolkata, they had scored 350 or more in four of their seven games; one of those games had the tournament’s highest score of 428 for five. Additionally, they have Quinton de Kock, an explosive opener who has already amassed four centuries, and Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller, two middle-order hitters, who have been playing at the peak of their powers.
But when they faced India, they collapsed like a house of cards, with Ravindra Jadeja taking five wickets to deal the most damage. After just 27.1 overs, South Africa was dismissed for a mere 83 runs, with No. 7 Marco Jansen leading the way with a 30-ball score of 14.
You defeated Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, Shami was asked on a Star Sports panel following the game by a jubilant former Indian cricket player, Mohammad Kaif. Where on Earth—the moon, perhaps—will we find a new team now? Remember that India has defeated not just South Africa but also Australia (3), New Zealand (2), and England (1), the three teams that have scored 350 or more at least once in this World Cup.
On the other hand, the seasoned fast bowler responded with fury. “Look at the condition of the team that has been scoring 400 runs often,” he remarked, baar 400 paar karne waalon ka haal dekho.
