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Indian pacer Mohammed Shami reached a major milestone in his career during India’s ICC Champions Trophy opener against Bangladesh in Dubai. He became the fastest bowler in history to claim 200 wickets in ODIs in terms of balls bowled, achieving the feat in just 5,126 deliveries. This record surpasses the previous best set by Australia’s Mitchell Starc, who took 5,240 balls to reach the mark.
He is BACK and HOW 🤩
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𝗙𝗜𝗙𝗘𝗥 for Mohd. Shami against Bangladesh!
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Shami also set a new record in ICC tournaments, overtaking Zaheer Khan to become India’s highest wicket-taker in ICC ODI events. His five-wicket haul against Bangladesh took his tally to 60 wickets, surpassing Zaheer’s 59 scalps. His performances in global tournaments have been exceptional, including 55 wickets in just 18 ODI World Cup matches at an astonishing average of 13.52.
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In Thursday’s match, Shami delivered a sensational spell, finishing with figures of 5/53 in 10 overs. His wickets included Soumya Sarkar, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Jaker Ali, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, and Taskin Ahmed. His performance was crucial in India’s bowling effort, as he and Harshit Rana (3/31) dismantled Bangladesh’s top order early in the innings. Axar Patel also contributed with figures of 2/43 in nine overs.
With this five-wicket haul, Shami also registered the best bowling figures by an Indian pacer in Champions Trophy history. Overall, his figures rank second only to Ravindra Jadeja’s 5/36 against West Indies in the 2013 edition of the tournament.
Shami reached the 200-wicket milestone in just 104 ODIs, making him the second fastest to achieve the feat in terms of matches played. He is tied with Pakistan legend Saqlain Mushtaq, while Starc holds the record for the fastest in terms of matches, achieving it in 102 games. With 202 wickets at an average of 23.63, including six five-wicket hauls and best figures of 7/57, Shami now ranks as India’s eighth-highest wicket-taker in ODIs.
Regarding the match itself, Bangladesh, after opting to bat first, struggled early as India reduced them to 35/5 within the first nine overs. However, a 154-run partnership between Jaker Ali (68 off 114 balls, four boundaries) and Towhid Hridoy (100 off 117 balls, six fours, two sixes) helped them recover to a respectable total of 228 in 49.4 overs. Despite their resistance, Shami’s brilliance with the ball ensured India remained in control throughout the innings.