SHAMI-FINALS

2019 Semi-Final

The 2019 semi-final was played on July 9 at Old Trafford, Manchester. It was the first semi-final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first. They scored 239 for 8 in 50 overs, with Kane Williamson (67) and Ross Taylor (74) being the top scorers. Matt Henry was the player of the match for his bowling figures of 3 for 37 in 10 overs. India were bowled out for 221 in 49.3 overs, losing by 18 runs. Ravindra Jadeja (77) and MS Dhoni (50) tried to revive the chase, but they fell short in the end. New Zealand’s pacers, especially Henry and Trent Boult, exploited the seam and swing conditions to rattle India’s top order, reducing them to 5 for 3 in 3.1 overs. India’s strategy of playing two wrist spinners, Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav, backfired as they proved to be expensive and ineffective. India also lacked a sixth bowling option, as Hardik Pandya was the only all-rounder in the team. India’s batting order was also questionable, as Dinesh Karthik was sent at number 5 ahead of Dhoni and Jadeja. India’s performance was below par, as they failed to chase down a modest target against a disciplined New Zealand.

2023 Semi-Final

The 2023 semi-final was played on November 15 at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. It was the first semi-final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. India won the toss and elected to bat first. They restricted New Zealand to 327 for 10 in 48.5 overs, with Darly Mitchel (134) and Kane Williamson (69) being the only batsman to cross fifty. Mohammed Shami was the player of the match for his bowling figures of 7 for 57 in 9.5 overs. India scored 397 for 4 in the first innings giving New Zealand a formidable target to begin with. Shreyas Iyer (105) and Virat Kohli (117) added runs for the second wicket, setting up the victory. India’s strategy of playing three pacers, Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj, paid off as they exploited the bounce and movement on the pitch. India also had a balanced bowling attack, with Kuldeep Yadav and Sir Jadega as the spinners, and Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav as the part-time options. India’s batting order was also well-settled, with Gill and Kohli providing stability and firepower in the middle order. India’s performance was impressive, as they dominated New Zealand in all departments.

Differences in Strategy

The main differences in strategy that Team India showcased in the two semi-finals were:

• The bowling attack: In 2019, India relied on two wrist spinners, who were ineffective and expensive. In 2023, India opted for three pacers, who were lethal and economical. India also had more bowling options in 2023, with two spinners and two part-timers, compared to one all-rounder in 2019.
• The batting order: In 2019, India had a fragile top order, which collapsed under pressure. India also had a questionable batting order, with Karthik at number 5 and Dhoni at number 7. In 2023, India had a solid top order, which set up the chase. India also had a well-settled batting order, with Iyer and Rahul at number 4 and 5, and Yadav at number 6.
• The match situation: In 2019, India were chasing a modest target, but they lost early wickets and could not recover. In 2023, India made a huge target and absolutely impressed the audience with their bowling. India also had the advantage of playing at home in 2023, while they were playing in England in 2019.

• Shami’s ability to bowl at different phases of the innings: Shami showed his versatility and adaptability by bowling effectively in the powerplay, the middle overs, and the death overs. He picked up wickets with the new ball, the old ball, and the reverse-swinging ball. He also varied his pace, length, and angle according to the situation and the batsman. He was equally lethal against both right-handers and left-handers. He was India’s go-to bowler whenever they needed a breakthrough or a tight over.
• Shami’s comeback story: Shami’s performance in the World Cup 2023 was even more remarkable considering his personal and professional struggles in the past few years. He had faced injuries, fitness issues, legal troubles, and family problems, which had affected his form and confidence. He had to work hard to regain his fitness, form, and mental strength, and prove his worth to the selectors and the team management. He had to wait for his chance in the World Cup 2023, as he was benched for the first four matches. But when he got his opportunity, he grabbed it with both hands and delivered match-winning performances. He became the quickest bowler to reach 50 ODI World Cup wickets and the joint-highest wicket-taker in the World Cup 2023 with 23 wickets in six matches. He also won the Player of the Match award twice. He was hailed as India’s bowling superstar and the comeback king by the fans and the experts.
• Rohit Sharma's proactive nature: Rohit Sharma has been a proactive and astute captain, making smart decisions with the bat, ball, and field. He has used his bowlers effectively, rotating them according to the conditions and the opposition. He has also backed his players and given them confidence and freedom to express themselves. He has shown calmness and composure under pressure and inspired his team with his positive attitude and body language.
• Middle Order Issue: Virat Kohli has played with his trademark aggression and elegance, dominating the bowlers with his sublime strokes and impeccable timing. He has also shown his adaptability and versatility, playing according to the pitch and the match situation. He has anchored the innings paced it perfectly, and accelerated or decelerated as per the need. Shreyas Iyer has scored two centuries and three fifties and became the third player after Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma to score consecutive centuries in World Cup history for India

Key Real Life Insights

• Strategy is about making the right choices based on the conditions, the opposition, and the strengths and weaknesses of the team. It is important to have a clear vision, a flexible plan, and a backup option. It is also important to execute the strategy effectively and efficiently and adapt to the changing situations.
• Learning is a continuous process that involves observing, analyzing, and improving. It is important to learn from past successes and failures and apply the lessons to the present and future. It is also important to learn from the best practices and innovations of others and incorporate them into one’s own style and approach.
• Strategy can help one achieve one’s goals and objectives, whether personal or professional, by making the best use of one’s resources and opportunities. For example, one can use strategy to plan one’s career path, manage one’s finances, or improve one’s health and fitness. Strategy can also help one cope with challenges and uncertainties, by having a clear vision
• The importance of having a balanced and versatile bowling attack, that can exploit the different phases of the innings, the different types of pitches, and the different types of batsmen.This can be related to the importance of having a diverse and adaptable skill set, that can perform well in different situations, environments, and challenges. For example, one can develop skills that are relevant to one’s field of work, interest, or passion, and also learn new skills that can complement or enhance one’s existing skills. One can also be flexible and open-minded, and adjust one’s approach and strategy according to the changing circumstances and demands.
• The importance of having a solid and settled batting order, that can handle the pressure, build partnerships, and accelerate or consolidate as per the need.This can be related to the importance of having a clear and consistent plan, that can cope with the stress, collaborate with others, and achieve the desired outcomes. For example, one can set realistic and specific goals, and devise a step-by-step action plan to achieve them. One can also seek feedback and support from others, and work together towards a common vision. One can also monitor and evaluate one’s progress, and celebrate or improve as per the results.
• The importance of having a sixth bowling option, that can provide an extra cushion and variety to the bowling attack, and reduce the burden on the main bowlers.This can be related to the importance of having a backup plan, that can provide

• additional security and diversity to the main plan, and reduce the risk and dependency on the main resources. For example, one can have an alternative source of income, savings, or investment, that can provide financial stability and growth. One can also have a hobby, passion, or interest, that can provide mental and emotional well-being and satisfaction.
• The importance of having a proactive and astute captain, that can make smart decisions with the bat, ball, and field, and inspire and motivate the team with his attitude and performance.This can be related to the importance of having strong and effective leadership, that can make wise choices with the available resources and opportunities, and influence and empower the team with his/her behavior and results. For example, one can be a leader in one’s family, workplace, or community, and demonstrate qualities such as vision, integrity, communication, and accountability. One can also be a leader in one’s own life, and take charge of one’s actions, decisions, and goals.
• The importance of having a positive and supportive team environment, that can foster trust, confidence, and camaraderie among the players, and help them overcome challenges and difficulties.This can be related to the importance of having a healthy and harmonious relationship, that can nurture respect, appreciation, and friendship among the people, and help them cope with problems and hardships. For example, one can have a relationship with one’s family, friends, colleagues, or partners, and show qualities such as empathy, compassion, honesty, and loyalty. One can also have a relationship with oneself, and show qualities such as self-care, self-love, self-esteem, and self-acceptance