Mohammad Shami Performance: What to Know Right Now
If you follow Indian cricket, you’ve probably seen Shami’s name pop up whenever a game needs a breakthrough. He’s the fast bowler who can swing the ball, hit the deck hard, and swing back into the wind. In the last few weeks his numbers have been catching eyes, and that’s why we’re breaking down the details for you.
Recent Match Highlights
Shami’s last three ODIs showed three different sides of his game. In the first match, he took 4 wickets for 35 runs, dismissing both openers and the set‑batting pair in the middle overs. The second game, a T20 against a tough opponent, saw him bowl only four overs but still pick up 2 wickets while keeping the economy under 6.5. The third ODI was a bit more relaxed – 3 for 48 – but he gave the captain a crucial spell in the death overs, stopping the opposition from scoring a quick 30 runs in the last ten balls.
What’s neat is how he adapts his length based on the format. In ODIs he likes the outside off‑stump, making the batsmen reach for the ball. In T20s he mixes a short ball with a fuller one to keep the hitters guessing. This flexibility is why India’s skipper often chooses him for the most pressure‑filled moments.
What the Numbers Say
Looking at the stats, Shami’s strike rate has improved to about 24 balls per wicket in ODIs, compared with his career average of 28. His bowling average sits around 23 runs per wicket this season, down from the 27 he posted last year. Those numbers mean he’s taking wickets more often and giving away fewer runs.
Another useful metric is the dot‑ball percentage. Shami is now delivering dots on roughly 45% of his balls in limited‑overs cricket. That’s a big help for the bowler coming after him, because the pressure builds when the batsmen can’t score.
In the IPL, he’s shown the same traits – quick wickets in the powerplay and a knack for breaking partnerships in the middle overs. His economy in the league hovers around 7.8, which is respectable given the flat pitches.
All this adds up to a bowler who can change a game in a few overs. Coaches love that because they can plan the rest of the bowl‑off around Shami’s spell. If he gets a wicket early, the rest of the attack can sit back and tighten the screws.
For fans, the takeaway is simple: when you see Shami’s name in the playing XI, expect at least one big wicket and a tight spell. He’s not just a speedster; he’s a smart bowler who knows where the ball needs to land.
So, whether you’re watching a live match or checking the scorecard later, keep an eye on Shami’s figures. They often tell the story of how India’s bowlers kept the opposition in check. And if you’re a budding bowler, there’s a lot to learn from his mix of pace, swing, and tactical awareness.
Kieran Lockhart, Mar, 10 2025
India clinched a six-wicket win over Bangladesh in the Champions Trophy opener, with Shubman Gill striking an unbeaten century. Mohammed Shami's early breakthroughs set the stage, despite a historic partnership from Bangladesh's Towhid Hridoy and Jaker Ali. Key wickets tested India, but Gill, alongside KL Rahul, carried the team to triumph with 21 balls to spare.
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