Cricket
Siraj gives India a new edge (on the ball).
In the one-day international matches that India played around this time last year, they struggled because they were not very good with the new ball. Even though they had Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah in their squad, they were by far the weakest bowling team in the world in the first ten overs of the match.
Mohammed Siraj has come forward to take action in response to the situation.
During the course of this series against Sri Lanka, he made several early breakthroughs that were vital in his team’s victory. In the opening one-day international, he used the new ball to take two wickets. In the second over, he was successful in taking one wicket, and in the third over, his four strikes were a significant contributor to Sri Lanka’s defeat by the greatest number of runs ever seen in an ODI.
In the entirety of the match, he was responsible for nine wickets, which was the most of any player. These are very impressive figures, but what was much more heartening was seeing how he approached each challenge.
Now that he is in his sixth year of international cricket, Siraj appears to have a far better understanding of both his talents and flaws. When he first started throwing, the ball had a natural inswing to it when he did so. Working on an outswinger seemed like the logical next step to take after that. During one season of the Indian Premier League, he had a conversation with Dale Steyn, and as a result, he was finally able to figure out how to get his outswing moving. However, at some point in time, he stopped using his inswinger and reverted back to being a bowler with only one dimension.
Siraj was well aware that in order to compete well at the highest level, he needed to incorporate both sorts of throws into his game. This prompted him to experiment with the wobbling seam, which is now his go-to method whenever he needs to free someone from their confinement. When he initially picks up the fresh ball, he searches for the swing. However, as soon as the ball comes to a stop, he immediately transitions to the wobble-seam variety. He would turn the seam toward the fine leg of a right-handed batter and make a strong hit on the ground when he was moving for the stumps.
After the third one-day international, Siraj was asked about the wobble seam and his response was as follows: “The main advantage of the wobbling seam is that neither I nor the batter can estimate how much the ball would bounce back.” “Sometimes it goes straight, and other times it comes back in a tremendous way,” the speaker says.
Sri Lanka was blamed for both of these alleged transgressions. Avishka Fernando attempted to hit Siraj through the line with the new ball, which was not swinging, during the second One-Day International. However, the wavy seam delivery came back to take the inside edge and crashed into the stumps in an unexpected manner.
On Sunday, his seam-wobbling ball to Kusal Mendis maintained its line. At the end of the game, the batter made a play inside the line and edged the ball slightly so that it could be caught by the wicketkeeper.
Alterations have also been made to the way that people think. In the past, Siraj was more concerned with how the results would turn out. At this point, his primary objective is to put his abilities to the best possible use.
He remarked, “I’m pleased even if I don’t get wickets right now, as long as I bowl the appropriate line and length.” “I’m glad even if I don’t get wickets right now.”
“Throughout the course of this series, one of my goals was to acquire early wickets by swinging the new ball. It didn’t matter if I got hit for two or three fours because if I could take a couple wickets, it would put the other team in a difficult position to win the game.”
In the third one-day international, he had a string of seven consecutive overs with the new ball, during which he took four wickets and reduced Sri Lanka’s score to 48 for 6. Two more wickets were lost in the following two overs of the innings. Because Ashen Bandara was unable to bat after getting into a confrontation with Jeffrey Vandersay, Sri Lanka’s No. 10 and No. 11 batsmen were the ones who were in the middle during that time.
Siraj had the opportunity to earn his maiden five-wicket haul in this format, which was significant for India. This was a critical match for India. During the final two deliveries of the 16th over, Shami took his time approaching the wickets and bowled outside off at a more deliberate pace. He was successful. It was decided that instead of trying to take another wicket, we would allow Siraj the opportunity to get his fifth.
Siraj did manage to create a couple scoring opportunities during the next three overs of his innings. Two top edges fell in the right spot, an inside edge narrowly missed wicketkeeper KL Rahul, and a leg before wicket decision against Kasun Rajitha was reversed on review. However, he was unable to take the fifth wicket.
Despite this, he finished the format with his best score (4 for 32) and received plaudits from his captain.
On Thursday, November 2, Virat Kohli achieved an accomplishment. He became the batsman to surpass 1000 runs in ODIs in 2023, following in the footsteps of Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma. Not that,. He also joined Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Pathum Nissanka as the fourth players to achieve this impressive record in the 50-over format within the same year.
Stepping into History with 1000 Runs in ODIs
Entering the realm of history, Kohli’s unwavering determination and exceptional skills were put on display during his match in 2023. Notably, the cricket maestro, now 34 years old, made an indelible impact by surpassing Sachin Tendulkar‘s record, securing the most number of years with 1000 runs in ODIs. Kohli’s consistent ability to perform at such an exceptional level has been a defining characteristic of his illustrious career, as he had previously achieved this monumental milestone in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, and 2019, before accomplishing it once again in the present year of 2023.
Sachin Tendulkar with god of cricket Virat Kohli pic.twitter.com/zmztejNBBB
— Kevin (@imkevin149) November 2, 2023
An Unforgettable Journey
In an intense World Cup 2023 clash against Sri Lanka at the renowned Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Virat Kohli’s pursuit of this historic milestone was realized with an impressive 34 runs. Despite facing challenges, including a rare duck against England at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, his overall performance throughout the year has been nothing short of spectacular.
Kohli’s memorable journey was highlighted by an unbeaten century during India’s triumphant seven-wicket victory against Bangladesh at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune. Adding to his illustrious record, he solidified his stature with a brilliant 95 runs, making a significant contribution to India’s thrilling four-wicket win over New Zealand led by Tom Latham at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Pune.
Shaheen Shah Afridi, on Tuesday, October 31, achieved a remarkable feat, becoming the third fastest bowler to secure 100 wickets in ODIs. His outstanding performance during Pakistan’s World Cup 2023 match against Bangladesh at the renowned Eden Gardens in Kolkata led to this historic accomplishment.
A Landmark Moment
In the thrilling encounter, Shaheen clinched his 100th wicket in only his 51st match, dismissing Tigers’ opening batter Tanzid Hasan Tamim. The left-arm fast bowler displayed exceptional skill as he struck Tamim on the pads, prompting the on-field umpire to raise his finger. Despite Tamim’s referral to the third umpire using the Decision Review System (DRS), the replays confirmed the ball crashing into the stumps, upholding the on-field decision. Bangladesh lost their first wicket with the scoreboard reading 0 in just 0.5 overs.
Shaheen Afridi soars high yet again with another feat to his name 🦅#CWC23 | #PAKvBAN pic.twitter.com/IlQQ6P5xYK
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) October 31, 2023
Surpassing Preceding Records
Shaheen Shah Afridi not only secured this feat in record time but also outshone the accomplishments of esteemed bowlers preceding him. He surpassed the record of the fastest pacer, previously held by Mitchell Starc, who attained the milestone in August 2016 during an ODI against Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Legacy of Excellence
Moreover, Shaheen shattered the long-standing record held by Saqlain Mushtaq, becoming the fastest Pakistani bowler to claim 100 wickets in ODIs. Saqlain had set this record on May 12, 1997, during an ODI against Sri Lanka in Gwalior. It is notable that among the Pakistani fast bowlers, the accomplished Shaheen Shah Afridi follows in the footsteps of the legendary Waqar Younis, who achieved the 100-wicket mark back in February 1993 against Zimbabwe in Sharjah.
Beyond ODIs
Demonstrating his prowess beyond ODIs, Shaheen has made significant contributions in Tests and T20Is as well. Since his debut in 2018, he has garnered 105 wickets in Tests and 64 wickets in T20Is. His exceptional journey began with a strong performance in the U19 World Cup in New Zealand. Notably, he played a pivotal role in Lahore Qalandars’ consecutive victories in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
A Testament to Talent and Dedication
Shaheen Shah Afridi’s rapid rise to 100 ODI wickets within 51 matches underlines his exceptional talent and unwavering dedication to the sport. As he continues to leave an indelible mark on the cricketing world, his journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers worldwide. With his remarkable achievements, Afridi has solidified his place in the annals of cricket history, etching his name as one of Pakistan’s most formidable and promising fast bowlers.
Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has recently expressed admiration for India’s dominant performance in the ongoing 2023 ICC World Cup. With India securing victories in all six matches, Akhtar highlighted the team’s exceptional display across various aspects of the game. Although the recent batting performance against England in Lucknow was relatively modest, India’s fierce bowling attack, led by Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah, proved instrumental in securing a remarkable win. This triumph not only solidified India’s leading position on the points table but also exacerbated England’s struggles in the tournament, leaving them virtually eliminated.
India’s Remarkable Bowling Transformation
In his analysis, Akhtar emphasized the transformative impact of Shami’s inclusion in India’s playing eleven following Hardik Pandya’s injury. Acknowledging Shami’s outstanding performances against New Zealand and England, Akhtar credited India’s ability to win matches through their bowling prowess, showcasing a shift from their traditional reliance on batting strength. He commended the collective effort of the Indian bowling unit, particularly recognizing the strategic brilliance of fast bowler Bumrah.
India’s Path to World Cup Glory
Looking ahead, Akhtar voiced his confidence in India’s potential to secure their third ODI World Cup trophy, highlighting the team’s upcoming matches against Sri Lanka, South Africa, and the Netherlands. Expressing optimism, he emphasized the significance of maintaining their unbeaten streak en route to the final, setting the stage for a potential historic ICC World Cup victory. However, Akhtar cautioned against compromising the successful bowling unit once Pandya returns to full fitness, warning against the potential detriment of a partially fit Pandya’s inclusion at the expense of a bowler.
Akhtar’s Praise for India and its Response to Criticism
Addressing skepticism surrounding his praise for the Indian team, Akhtar reiterated the exceptional nature of India’s performance, particularly in their ability to defend a modest total with a significant margin of victory. Undeterred by criticism, Akhtar reaffirmed his admiration for India’s exceptional cricketing prowess, urging acknowledgment and appreciation of their commendable achievements.
Shoaib Akhtar’s Perspective on Virat Kohli
Shifting focus, Akhtar’s history of praise extends beyond team performances to individual players, notably including former Indian team captain Virat Kohli. Reminiscing on Kohli’s resilience during a challenging phase in his career, Akhtar highlighted the pivotal role played by Kohli’s consistent century-scoring performances, leading to India’s victories. Recognizing Kohli’s contribution to the team’s success, Akhtar emphasized the significance of Kohli’s monumental centuries during crucial chases, solidifying his status as a crucial asset for the Indian cricket team.
In a comparison between Kohli and the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, Akhtar acknowledged Tendulkar’s status as one of the greatest batsmen while highlighting the challenges Tendulkar faced as a captain. Drawing parallels, Akhtar expressed confidence in Kohli’s eventual resurgence, expecting him to return to his prolific scoring form once he finds his equilibrium.
In summary, Akhtar’s acknowledgment of India’s exceptional performance and his recognition of individual players’ contributions underscore the team’s formidable presence in the 2023 ICC World Cup, setting the stage for a potential historic triumph in the coming days.
1000 Runs in ODIs: Kohli’s Cricket Legacy
Shaheen Shah Afridi: Fastest to 100 ODI Wickets
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