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The Indian cricket team’s stellar performance in the ODI World Cup 2023 semi-final against New Zealand not only filled the hearts of a billion fans with joy but also brought forth a poignant moment for one of its players, Mohammed Siraj.
As India triumphed with a comprehensive 70-run victory, securing a spot in the final, Siraj found himself grappling with emotions as he dearly missed his late father, Mohammed Ghaus.
The role of Mohammed Siraj’s father in shaping his career
Siraj’s father had been an unsung hero in his cricketing journey, driving an auto rickshaw to support his son’s passion for the sport despite limited resources.
Tragically, in 2021, Ghaus succumbed to a lung ailment, leaving behind a legacy of sacrifice and unwavering support. Siraj has consistently acknowledged his father’s pivotal role in shaping his career, and the absence of his father on this momentous occasion weighed heavy on his heart.
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The void: Siraj’s emotional Instagram story
Taking to Instagram, Siraj shared a poignant story that captured the depth of his emotions. The story featured a picture that showcased an incoming call from “Dad” with a text that read, “I wish to see this call.” The image was accompanied by a “Miss you” caption written by Siraj with two crying emojis, highlighting his emotional state and the bittersweet nature of his achievement.
India’s dominance in the semi-final of ODI World Cup 2023
On the cricketing front, India’s journey to the final showcased a dominant display across all facets of the game. Opting to bat first in the semi-final against New Zealand, the top-order batters, led by the maestro Virat Kohli’s masterful innings of 117 runs off 113 deliveries, propelled India to a formidable total of 397-4 in their allotted 50 overs. Contributions from Shreyas Iyer (105), Shubman Gill (80), and Rohit Sharma (47) further solidified India’s position.
In the bowling department, Mohammed Shami emerged as the hero of the day, etching his name in the record books with a historic 7-wicket haul. Shami’s fiery spell dismantled the Kiwi lineup, ensuring a comprehensive victory for India. Siraj also bagged one crucial wicket for the Men in Blue.
