India pacer Mohammad Shami was the toast of the WTC 2021 final as his four-wicket haul, coupled with Ishant Sharma’s three wickets helped India keep New Zealand lead to just 32 runs. New Zealand posted 249 in reply to 217 made by Virat Kohli and co in the first innings.
While Devon Conway made a half-century, while Kane Williamson made 49 and even the tail wagged with Kyle Jamieson and Tim Southee contributing 21 and 30 runs respectively.
Mohammad Shami, in a chat with India team fielding coach R Sridhar, talked about his bowling performance as he picked the wickets of Ross Taylor, BJ Watling, Colin de Grandhomme, and Kyle Jamieson.
WTC 2021 Final: VVS Laxman lauds Indian bowlers’ exploits on Day 5 in Southampton
"It's difficult if you come after injury and you are given responsibility in such conditions. The doubt obviously comes to my mind but I overcame it on the field because of the positive mindset. Bowlers picked a good line and length from the morning. As a unit we worked perfectly, even the spinners bowled at a good length. In the end, the accuracy to bowl at the same place is good for ourselves as bowlers and for our team," Shami told India's fielding coach, R Sridhar, in a video posted by BCCI.
Ageas Bowl, Southampton has been a happy hunting ground for Mohammad Shami, as on June 22, 2019, he became only the second Indian bowler to take a hat-trick in World Cup, a feat he achieved in the 2019 edition against Afghanistan.
Shami took to Twitter and wrote: "Southampton has brought happy memories for me both in white and red ball. The 2019 World Cup hat-trick remains a favorite but delighted to deliver for #TeamIndia on Day 5 when we needed the most. The bowling group put in a lot of efforts. #WTC21 #mshami11."
(ANI inputs)
