In the ongoing World Cup, India has established itself as the premier bowling side. In seven matches, they allowed 200 or more runs in only three instances – against Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand. Remarkably, they managed to bowl out their opponents in five of those matches. Whether batting first or second, their bowlers have made significant contributions. Fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj have been vital, along with spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav.

The nature of India’s bowling performance changes significantly under lights. During night matches, it’s all about pace, swing, and seam. Bumrah, Shami, and Siraj have excelled, dismissing England for just 129 and routing Sri Lanka for a mere 55 runs.

However, if the pitch favors slower conditions, Jadeja and Kuldeep become dominant and chip away at the opposition during the middle overs. When playing under lights or on pitches offering assistance to fast bowlers, Bumrah, Shami, and Siraj ensure the top order finds it hard to score.

Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has praised India for evolving into a “ruthless side” with a relentless bowling attack. He predicts this onslaught will continue for the remainder of the World Cup. Akhtar emphasized the importance of recognizing and celebrating India’s fast bowlers for their exceptional performances.

Akhtar particularly lauded Mohammed Shami, who recently achieved his best bowling figures (5/18) in Mumbai. Shami has amassed 14 wickets in just three appearances in this World Cup, surpassing Zaheer Khan and Javagal Srinath to become India’s all-time leading wicket-taker in World Cups. His impressive statistics include a best average (12.29) and strike rate (15.75) among bowlers with more than 30 World Cup wickets.

Before the Sri Lanka match, there were doubts about Mohammed Siraj’s form, but he silenced his critics by taking three wickets without conceding a run, finishing with figures of 3/15. Bumrah, who dismissed Pathum Nissanka on the first ball of Sri Lanka’s chase, ended with 1/8. Akhtar commended Siraj’s energy and Bumrah’s lethal performance, which created a comfortable environment for both of them to bowl freely.

During their chase of a 358-run target, Sri Lanka managed just 55 runs in 19.4 overs. This marked the third occasion this year that Sri Lanka have been bowled out for under 100 runs in ODIs against India. As a result, Rohit Sharma’s team won the match by 302 runs, becoming the first to secure a spot in the semi-finals of World Cup 2023.