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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 one.
The reason behind Mohammed Shami’s flying kiss
Shami revealed post-match that the tribute was for his father, Tousif Ali, a farmer from Amroha, Uttar Pradesh. He had been Shami’s unwavering support system until his sudden demise due to a cardiac arrest in January 2017. The pacer’s journey from battling personal grief to becoming India’s pace spearhead is a testament to his resilience.
“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 confessed in a poignant post-match press conference, underscoring how his father’s values of perseverance continue to fuel his craft.
Shami’s symphony in rythm picking up a five-wicket haul
Returning to ICC events after India’s heartbreak in the 2023 ODI World Cup final, Shami unleashed a vintage performance. His figures of 5 for 53 dismantled Bangladesh’s batting backbone. The spell began with the dismissals of Soumya Sarkar (caught behind) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (trapped lbw), exploiting swing and seam movement. Later, he returned to clean up the tail, removing Jaker Ali, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, and Taskin Ahmed. Each wicket showcased Shami’s lethal combination of precision, reverse swing, and tactical acumen, reaffirming his status as India’s go-to bowler in crunch moments.
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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. The act resonated globally, symbolizing 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.
With momentum on their side, India now brace 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 blockbuster. Shami’s form, coupled with India’s balanced attack, could prove pivotal in this storied rivalry.
