India’s gun fast bowler Mohammed Shami was brought into the playing XI against New Zealand after Hardik Pandya was ruled out with an ankle injury. Shami grabbed his chance with both hands as he returned with his best World Cup bowling figures of 5-54 at the Himachal Pradesh Association Stadium, Dharamshala on Sunday.

Shami said he grew in confidence after he got the breakthrough on the first ball he bowled. The right-arm pacer was introduced in the ninth over by Rohit Sharma and he dismissed Will Young with an incoming delivery.

However, Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell added 159 runs for the third wicket but Shami was able to break the alliance as he dismissed the former. Shami also wiped out New Zealand’s tail as he got rid of Mitchell Santner with a yorker and then sent Matt Henry’s stumps cartwheeling.

The veteran pacer also got the big wicket of centurion Daryl Mitchell to complete his five-wicket haul. Ergo, Shami played a key role in skittling out the Blackcaps at 273 runs.

Mohammed Shami was awarded Player of the Match for his fine bowling display. He said after the game while talking to the host broadcaster, Star Sports, “Got a lot of confidence after taking a wicket on the first ball. If your teammates are doing well, you should support them, it’s important that the team performs well, and I understand that. It was important to pick those late wickets, you always want your team to be the top side. Very happy that I got those wickets and India is on top of the table.”

Meanwhile, India was able to get over the line after Virat Kohli once again played a masterclass knock of 95 runs. Kohli added 78 runs with Ravindra Jadeja after India found themselves under the pump at 191-5.

With this win, India has climbed to the top of the points table as they are the only team that is unbeaten in the tournament.

India will next take on reigning champions England at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow on Sunday.