Shoaib Akhtar: ‘Start celebrating your fast bowlers…’: Shoaib Akhtar requests Indian fans after pacers dismantle Sri Lanka | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: Former Pakistani fast-bowler, Shoaib Akhtar, known as the ‘Rawalpindi Express,’ heaped praise on India’s pace trio after their astounding performance in a World Cup match that led to a 302-run victory over Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.
India’s formidable pace attack, consisting of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami, combined their talents to claim nine wickets, dismantling Sri Lanka’s batting lineup and sealing a resounding victory.

Akhtar, impressed by the three pacers, commended India’s growing ruthlessness and urged Indian cricket fans to celebrate their fast bowlers. He was particularly delighted for Shami, who has rediscovered his form and has been consistently taking wickets. Akhtar also applauded Siraj’s energetic efforts and Bumrah’s lethal bowling, which complemented their team’s performance.

“India is becoming a ruthless side from this point the onslaught cannot be stopped but my request to Indians is to start celebrating your fast bowlers because everyone was happy and there was a lot of noise on each delivery at the Wankhede Stadium. I am personally happy for Shami he has found his rhythm back he has claimed so many wickets and has surpassed, Siraj is running, Bumrah is lethal he is giving them comfort to both of them to bowl freely,” Shoaib said in a video posted on X.

In the match, Siraj’s remarkable spell was overshadowed by the fiery performance of Shami, who played a pivotal role in securing India’s spot in the World Cup semi-finals with a commanding victory in Mumbai.
While chasing a target of 358, Sri Lanka capitulated, managing to score just 55 runs in 19.4 overs. Shami was the star of the bowling attack, displaying tremendous pace and control.

Shami’s impressive performance saw him surpass Indian pace legends Zaheer Khan and Javagal Srinath by becoming India’s highest wicket-taker in World Cup history. He now has 45 wickets in just 14 World Cup appearances, boasting an impressive best figures of 5/18. Shami currently stands as the sixth-highest wicket-taker in World Cup history, with Australia’s Glenn McGrath leading the charts with 71 wickets in 39 matches.
Notably, Shami is now the sole Indian bowler with three five-wicket hauls in the Cricket World Cup, joining the elite company of Australia’s Mitchell Starc. He also surpassed legendary spinner Harbhajan Singh to claim the record for the most five-wicket hauls for India in ODIs, having achieved this feat a total of four times, while Harbhajan had three five-wicket hauls in ODIs.

India’s pace trio’s stellar performance has drawn accolades not only from cricket pundits but also from across the border, showcasing the growing prominence of fast bowling in Indian cricket.
(With inputs from ANI)