Mohammad Shami was Player of the Match in second ODI win for his 3/18.
Like Team India, Mohammad Shami is also enjoying a great time with the ball in ODI cricket at the moment. India has won all five ODIs they have played so far in 2023, and it is certainly a great start to the preparations for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India.
Earlier this January, the Indian cricket team already whitewashed Sri Lanka in the three-match ODI series, and now they are looking for the same result in the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand, having won the first two ODIs at home.
Well, Shami is in stunning form with the ball in the ongoing ODI series, as he snared four wickets in the first ODI and then returned with the impressive figures of 3/18 in the second ODI to help the Men in Blue take a 2-0 lead in the three-match series against the Black Caps in Raipur on Saturday.
Speaking at the post-match press conference in Raipur, Shami was asked about whether Team India is ready for the ODI World Cup 2023 and about the team’s preparations for the same, and the reporter ended up getting a stern reply from the senior pacer.
He wasn’t pleased with the question and hit back at the journalist, saying that people should not doubt the Indian team, especially when the team is doing so well in 50-over cricket.
Mohammad Shami said at post-match presser: “Dekhiye, mujhe nahi lagta logo ko abhi tak doubt hai Indian team ke upar. Aapko itne acche results diye hai 4-6 saalo mei. Agar uske baad bhi aapko doubt hai, World Cup ke liye bahut lamba time hai. Toh humare pass bahut series hai, practice karne ke liye, match khelne ke liye. Aur players ko jaanne ko liye. Toh abhi humare pass time hai toh behetar hoga ki hum match-to-match jaaye.
(See, I don't think people have doubt about the Indian team. We have been giving good results in the past 4-6 years. If still have any doubts, we have a lot of time left for the World Cup. We have many series for match practice. We have more time to know players. We have time, so it's better to take it match-to-match).”
The third and final ODI will be played in Indore on January 24.