Wasim Akram claims that India’s “out of the box” Shami new-ball play in the World Cup final caused a panic.

Last Sunday, November 19, the ODI World Cup 2023 final between Australia and India took place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Wasim Akram, the former captain of Pakistan, commended India for their outstanding performance throughout the major tournament, in which they won ten straight games. But India lost to Australia in the final, and Akram thought that instead of following the tried and true strategy of opening with Jasprit Bumrah and Siraj, India gave the new ball to Shami in a panic under duress.

They began to panic. I know that he [Shami] bowls effectively from around the wicket and has removed a lot of left-handers. Travis Head withstood him. Shami bowled a few wide balls, which you must have noticed,” Akram was cited by Sportskeeda as adding.

Because of his swing, Siraj ought to have bowled two or three overs at the beginning, according to Wasim Akram, and Shami wasn’t mentally ready to receive the new ball.

Because of his swing, I believe Siraj ought to have bowled two or three overs at the beginning. Since Shami is psychologically aware that he is the one who changes first, the ball can be controlled because it is a little stale. I support thinking outside the box and giving him the fresh ball in the World Cup final. However, Siraj ought to have started with two or three overs. He said, “Shami could have been brought on if nothing had happened.

Australia was having a difficult time during the chase after losing three early wickets in the first powerplay due to some outstanding bowling from Jasprit Bumrah and Shami. However, Travis Head showed incredible fortitude and combined with Marnus Labuschagne to put up a fantastic 192 runs to comfortably win the match for the Aussies.

Additionally, according to Wasim Akram, Head’s century altered Australia’s strategy and relieved Labuschagne of some of the strain.

“The game was altered by Travis Head. The way he batted, he relieved Labuschagne of all the burden. In admiration of the Australian opener, Akram remarked, “Both India and Australia knew that it was about one wicket.”