IND vs SL, World Cup 2023: Shami credits his rhythm for red-hot run, says Indian bowlers ‘enjoying working as a unit’

Mohammed Shami produced another match-winning performance in the ICC World Cup, collecting 5/18 that helped India bowl Sri Lanka out for 55 and register a thumping 302-run victory in Mumbai on Thursday.

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Shami’s five-for was his second in three outings, with the senior pacer having collected four wickets against England in between, and credited the rhythm that he as well as pace colleagues Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj find themselves in for India’s red-hot performances with the ball.

“The rhythm we have found, it’s because of that that you are getting to see this storm (on the cricket field), the incredible things our bowling unit is doing. The rhythm we are bowling with, I can’t believe anyone will not enjoy it. So, yes, we are enjoying ourselves a lot and working together as a unit, and you are able to see the results of that,” Shami told the broadcasters after he was adjudged the Player of the Match for his five-for.

The Bengal pacer added that his focus has been on hitting the right areas and lines in the three matches that he has played so far, which has helped him reap rich dividends.

“Yeah, I am trying, as always, trying to pitch the ball in the right areas and trying to find the right rhythm, because in big tournaments, if you lose the rhythm it’s very difficult to get it back. So right from the start, the attempt has been to focus on the right areas and right lengths, and it’s working, so why not try to repeat it?” added Shami, who went past Zaheer Khan to become India’s leading wicket-taker in ICC World Cups with his latest performance.

As It Happened: India vs Sri Lanka, World Cup 2023 match in Mumbai

India skipper Rohit Sharma, meanwhile, hailed the clinical manner with which his team has gone about business so far in their home World Cup campaign.

“I’m very happy knowing we have qualified for the semifinals, this was the first goal. But how we approached the seven games has been quite clinical, and a lot of individuals have put in the efforts, put their hands up and stood up,” Rohit said during the post-match presentation ceremony.

“Credit to the batters for getting to that total and then the seamers obviously. Shreyas is a very strong lad, strong in his mind, and today he did what he is known for – take on the opposition and the bowlers. He’s been working very hard on his game and today we saw what he’s capable of.

“As for Siraj, he’s a quality bowler and if he does that it’s quite a big difference for us. So very happy with how the squad as performed, even Surya in the last game. To put in a performance like this back to back, against England and now, shows the quality of the seamers,” added the ‘Hitman’.

Sri Lanka skipper Kusal Mendis rued the dropped chances of Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill after opting to field, but felt the 1996 world champions did well with the ball nevertheless.

“I am very disappointed. They bowled really well with seam and swing, and unfortunately we couldn’t play to our potential.

“The wicket looked a little slow that’s why I wanted to bowl first. I think Madushanka bowled really well, but Shubhman’s chance and Virat’s chance weren’t taken and then the game changed a bit. But everyone bowled well in the middle overs,” the wicketkeeper-batter said.