• Source:JND
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India pacer Mohammed Shami proved his worth in his first match of the ODI World Cup 2023 as he picked five-for against New Zealand at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamsala on Sunday.

Shami did not get the chance to play in India's World Cup matches against Australia, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh but Hardik Pandya's ankle injury paved the way for his inclusion in the playing 11. On missing the games, Shami said he was waiting for his chance eagerly without any 'guilt' as other players were performing their responsibilities well.

"I was watching everything from the bench. I will do something only when I am given the chance. When you are not playing, it is very difficult. But if your team is performing, your boys are moving in a rhythm, then I don't think you should feel guilty sitting outside," PTI quoted Shami as saying in the post-match press conference.

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"Personally, I keep my outlook simple, you need to keep enjoying. In India the biggest sport is cricket. The biggest place is the place where you are sitting. It's not necessary to be there (in the playing XI). You have 15 players. Four of them have to stay out. So, by being positive and enjoying, I feel you will get more results. So, I always think, I am not here today, I will be here tomorrow. If not tomorrow, then day after tomorrow. They do come in rotation. And when your time comes, you need to contribute for the team," he added.

Shami returned with the figures of 5-54 in his 10 overs spell to restrict New Zealand to 273/10 in 50 overs. The pacer wreaked havoc on Kiwi's middle order and lower order to enable India to make a comeback in the match after a century from Daryl Mitchell (130) and a half-century from Rachin Ravindra (75). He was awarded Player of the Match for his magical bowling performance.

Shami elaborated his bowling plan against New Zealand which was to hit the length right and trouble the batters.

"...I know everything, but it depends on what your role is, what the conditions are. You have to see everything because when the ball is not coming out of the wicket, you have to focus on the line and length. And the result is in front of you," he said.

"When you start, it's very important that you get a good start for your team. That's your role. Our bowlers have chosen the right areas. We did well and we restricted them, and the result is in front of you," Shami added.

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When asked about his favourite wicket from the spell, Shami opined he enjoyed all his wickets and backed captain Rohit Sharma for opting to bowl first after winning the toss.

"All the wickets are good. When you play for your country, I feel every wicket is important for you. As such, I don't like any particular wicket more. I enjoy all my wickets," the experienced said.

"It's good (winning the toss) because, obviously, batting second helps. It does benefit (you) when you are bowling during the day. Whenever you bowl, you always look for a good area. And whenever you bowl in a good area, you will definitely get results. So, my belief is that whether you put it in the day or in the evening, you will have to hit a good area," he added.

Chasing 274, Virat Kohli displayed his batting masterclass with his 95 decorated with eight fours ad two sixes after Rohit Sharma (46), Shubman Gill (26), Shreyas Iyer (33), KL Rahul (27) and Suryakumar Yadav (2) failed to capitalise on their starts in the innings.

India have maintained their unbeaten streak in the tournament with five wins in as many matches. They have secured the top spot in the standings with 10 points followed by New Zealand (eight points), South Africa (six points) and Australia (four points).

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