Shami Kebab banned in New Zealand? Sonu Sood's comic nod to pacer's 7-wicket haul has bowler in splits

Bollywood actor Sonu Sood playfully paid tribute to India's fast bowler, Mohammed Shami, for his remarkable 7-wicket haul in the first semi-final of the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023 against New Zealand. Shami's exceptional performance played a key role in India's 70-run victory and secured their place in the FINAL.

Shami's outstanding figures of 7 for 57 not only made him the first Indian bowler to reach 50 wickets in ODI World Cups but also the fastest to achieve this milestone. His impressive average of 9.13 and a strike rate of 10.91 set him apart as the best among all bowlers in this World Cup, showcasing his exceptional skill and unwavering consistency.

ALSO READ | IND vs NZ: Mohammed Shami's spectacular 7-wicket haul propels India into ODI World Cup 2023 FINAL

His stellar performance against the Black Caps earned him the well-deserved Player of the Match award in Mumbai. Shami's bowling prowess played a pivotal role in restricting New Zealand to a total of 327 runs after India had posted an imposing 397 for 4 on the scoreboard, thanks to centuries from Virat Kohli (117) and Shreyas Iyer (105).

Sonu Sood, known for his passionate support for Team India at cricket stadiums, took to social media to share a light-hearted update: "Breaking news: Shami kebab banned in New Zealand."

Shami, in response, reposted the tweet and expressed his amusement with a hearty "Hahahahahhaah" along with a heart-shaped smiley.

It's worth noting that Shami was initially excluded from the playing XI for the first four games, with Shardul Thakur being preferred for his batting skills. However, an injury to all-rounder Hardik Pandya opened the door for Shami's return, allowing him to showcase his talent with the white ball.