IND vs NZ: Mohammed Shami makes remarkable comeback to playing XI, gets 1st ball wicket

In their previous games, the Indian team had opted for a strong batting lineup and included two all-rounders, Hardik Pandya and Shardul Thakur. However, with Pandya nursing an injury sustained in the last game, the Men in Blue made significant changes. Suryakumar Yadav and Mohammed Shami were brought in to replace Pandya and Thakur for their match against New Zealand.

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In the 8th over, as he bowled his first over in the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023, Shami achieved an immediate breakthrough. His delivery was a length ball that gained some extra bounce just outside off, with a slightly slower pace. It was too close for Will Young to attempt a cut shot, but he went for it nonetheless and ended up dragging the ball back onto his stumps.

This wicket took Shami ahead of Anil Kumble as one of the leading wicket-takers for India in World Cups.

Most wickets for India in World Cups

44 - Zaheer Khan

44 - Javagal Srinath

32* - Mohammed Shami

31 - Anil Kumble

The fans were delighted with the wicket and extended a warm welcome to the pacer in the World Cup.

Turning our attention to the match itself, India won the toss and chose to field. The two changes in the Indian lineup appeared to be a good decision, as they got off to a strong start. After the first 10 overs, the New Zealand team had managed to score just 34 runs and had lost both of their opening batsmen.

Devon Conway was dismissed for a duck, thanks to a brilliant catch by Shreyas Iyer, and Will Young departed after contributing 17 runs.