IND Vs BAN: Mohammed Shami Opens Up About His Flying Kiss After Taking A 5-wicket Haul In Champions Trophy 2025

In a moment that transcended sport, Mohammed Shami’s electrifying five-wicket haul against Bangladesh in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was not just a display of cricketing mastery—it was a heartfelt ode to his late father. After dismissing Taskin Ahmed in Dubai on February 20, Shami’s celebratory “flying kiss” toward the heavens captured the hearts of millions. The gesture, steeped in personal loss and legacy, became the defining image of India’s six-wicket victory, as Shami revealed post-match that the tribute was for his beloved father.

A Tribute Etched in Emotion

Shami revealed after the match that the tribute was for his father, Tousif Ali, a farmer from Amroha, Uttar Pradesh. A figure of unwavering support, his father had nurtured Shami’s talent from a young age. Tousif Ali’s sudden demise due to cardiac arrest in January 2017 left a void in Shami’s life, but the pacer turned grief into motivation, striving to make his father proud.

“That flying kiss was for my father… he is my role model. Every time I step onto the field, I carry his blessings with me,” Shami shared in an emotional post-match press conference, his voice tinged with both pride and sorrow. His words resonated deeply, revealing the emotional depth behind his passion for cricket.

Shami’s Symphony in Rhythm: A Five-Wicket Haul for the Ages

Returning to ICC events after India’s heartbreak in the 2023 ODI World Cup final, Shami unleashed a vintage performance. His spell of 5 for 53 dismantled Bangladesh’s batting backbone, reaffirming his status as India’s go-to bowler in crunch moments.

Shami set the tone early, dismissing Soumya Sarkar (caught behind) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (trapped lbw), exploiting swing and seam movement. His pace, accuracy, and ability to read the conditions were on full display. Later, he returned to clean up the tail, removing Jaker Ali, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, and Taskin Ahmed. Each wicket showcased his lethal combination of precision, reverse swing, and tactical acumen.

The Celebration Heard Around the World

When Shami looked skyward and blew a kiss after Taskin’s dismissal, the Dubai crowd erupted—but few knew the depth of that moment. The celebration, often reserved for loved ones, was a silent conversation with his father.

“I wanted him to know this was for him,” Shami shared, his eyes glistening with emotion.

The moment resonated across social media, drawing reactions from cricketing legends and fans alike. Former Indian captain Virat Kohli tweeted, “Pure emotion from Shami. What a spell! #ForHisFather.”

The image of Shami’s flying kiss will be etched in cricketing memory, a testament to how athletes often channel personal grief into professional excellence.

India’s Commanding Chase: Shubman Gill Seals the Deal

Shami’s heroics restricted Bangladesh to 228, but India’s chase was no less clinical. Captain Rohit Sharma set the tone with a fiery 41 off 36 balls, while Shubman Gill anchored the innings with an unbeaten 101. His 87-run partnership with KL Rahul (34*) extinguished any hope for Bangladesh, as India cruised to victory with 21 balls to spare.

Gill’s century, marked by elegant drives and calculated aggression, underscored his rising stature as India’s batting linchpin. The 24-year-old’s composure in ICC events continues to impress, and his latest knock reaffirmed India’s stronghold in the tournament.

The Road Ahead: India vs. Pakistan – A Blockbuster Clash

With momentum on their side, India now braces for a high-octane clash against Pakistan on February 23 in Dubai. The Men in Blue, second in Group A (NRR +0.408), face a Pakistan side led by Mohammad Rizwan, fresh off their own opening win. History, pride, and semifinal stakes will collide in what promises to be a thrilling contest.

Shami’s form, coupled with India’s balanced attack, could prove pivotal in this storied rivalry. His ability to strike early will be crucial against Pakistan’s top order, while the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja will look to complement his efforts.

For Shami, every match is another opportunity to honor his father’s legacy. As India marches ahead in the tournament, one thing is certain—Shami’s fire burns brighter than ever, fueled by love, loss, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.

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