Men’s ODI World Cup: It’s time to praise Indian fast bowlers as they are turning into a merciless team: Shoaib Akhtar

Former Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Akhtar said that after India humiliated Sri Lanka by a record 302 runs on Thursday, the team had turned into a merciless force and that this “onslaught” will go on for the duration of the World Cup.

After Shami achieved his second five-for of the competition and recorded his best bowling stats (5/18) against Sri Lanka, Akhtar seemed happy.

In addition, the seasoned right-arm bowler overtook Javagal Srinath and Zaheer Khan to become India’s all-time leading wicket-taker in World Cups. After just 14 games, Shami already has 45 wickets.

Of all the bowlers who have taken over 30 wickets in World Cup history, he has the best strike rate (15.75) and average (12.29).

“In a video uploaded on X, Akhtar said, ‘India is turning into a merciless team. The attack will not be stopped, but I would like the Indians to start appreciating their fast bowlers. Everybody was joyful and there was a lot of noise during every delivery at the Wankhede Stadium.”

Personally, I’m glad for Shami because he seems to have regained his rhythm. He has taken 45 wickets in all at the World Cup.

Sri Lanka lost to a score of 55 in only 19.4 overs while chasing a goal of 358, thanks to Indian pacers who claimed 9 wickets. Bumrah, who had earlier returned Pathum Nissanka in the opening ball of Sri Lanka’s chase, returned 1/8, while Mohammad Siraj concluded with numbers of 3/15.

Akhtar said, “Siraj is running, Bumrah is lethal, he is giving them comfort to bowl freely.”

In ODIs against India, Sri Lanka was bowled out for less than 100 runs for the third time this year.

The squad captained by Rohit Sharma becomes the first to go to the World Cup 2023 semifinals; on Sunday at Eden Gardens, they will take against South Africa.