‘Dhoni told me I could get a hattrick’

A wise word from MS Dhoni inspired Mohammed Shami to bowl the delivery that earned his place in World Cup history.

“There was no time to think, you just had to back yourself and your skills. I didn’t want to try variations because that increases the chances of going for runs,” said Shami, only the third to claim a hattrick in World Cup history. “Mahi bhai [Dhoni] told me to keep bowling yorkers, he said ‘don’t change anything now, you can get a hattrick’.

“Getting a chance in the team is a bit of luck but I was ready to seize my opportunity. The chance to get a hattrick is a very rare thing and it’s very special for me.”