NEW DELHI: India batter Suryakumar Yadav showered praise on pacer Mohammed Shami for his outstanding five-wicket performance against Australia, which played a pivotal role in India's gripping five-wicket triumph in the opening match of the three-match ODI series in Mohali on Friday.
Shami, with his characteristic swagger and precision, dismantled Australia's batting order, with the dismissal of Steve Smith being a standout moment in his spell. Yadav hailed Shami's remarkable achievement, especially considering the sporadic opportunities the veteran pacer has had in the Indian cricket team.
"I am very happy for him. I mean, it is not easy when you are not playing games in between, and then you are coming back and playing for India and performing in such a way. There are a lot of lessons to learn for all the fast bowlers, and I really enjoyed his spell," Suryakumar Yadav stated in a video posted by BCCI on X.
Suryakumar also played a crucial innings in India's success, alongside the exceptional century partnership between openers Shubman Gill and Ruturaj Gaikwad.
In the series opener, India opted to field first, putting Australia in to bat. The Australian batsmen, including David Warner, Josh Inglis, Steven Smith, and Marnus Labuschagne, played crucial knocks in propelling the visitors to a competitive total of 276 in their allotted 50 overs.
However, it was Shami who stole the spotlight with his remarkable five-wicket haul, finishing with career best figures of 5/51. India's spin maestros Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, along with pace ace Jasprit Bumrah, contributed with one wicket each.
India's chase was built on the solid foundation laid by an opening partnership of 142 runs between Gaikwad and Gill. Gaikwad scored a composed 71 off 77 balls with ten boundaries, while Gill contributed a blistering 74 off 63 balls, including six fours and two sixes.
Skipper KL Rahul, with an unbeaten 58 off 63 balls adorned with four boundaries and a six, played a captain's knock. Suryakumar Yadav also made a significant contribution with his fluent 50 runs off 49 balls, featuring five fours and a six, guiding India to a thrilling five-wicket victory.
(With inputs from ANI)
