ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Shami bowls longest CT over by an Indian, returns after injury scare! Will he finish his spell?
Xtra Time Web Desk: After a stellar five-wicket haul against Bangladesh in his opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy, Mohammed Shami endured a forgettable outing against arch-rivals Pakistan. The experienced Indian pacer struggled to find his rhythm, conceding extras and registering an unwanted record in India's high-stakes group-stage clash in Dubai.
Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first, setting the stage for an intense battle. However, Shami, who was handed the new ball, faced immediate difficulties. His opening over turned into a nightmare as he struggled with control, sending down five wides and ultimately requiring 11 balls to complete the over. The shaky start placed him among the Indian bowlers who have delivered the longest overs in ODI history, alongside Zaheer Khan and Irfan Pathan.
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As the match progressed, concerns deepened when Shami walked off the field at the end of his fifth over. He had shown signs of discomfort in his ankle as early as the third over of his spell, prompting an on-field assessment by the team physio. Although he continued for a couple of overs, he eventually left the field for further treatment, raising concerns over his availability for the rest of the match and potentially the tournament.
The high-voltage India-Pakistan fixture, already brimming with tension, saw an added layer of drama with Shami’s unexpected struggles. Having played a pivotal role in India’s opening victory against Bangladesh, his off-day against Pakistan was a stark contrast. His 11-ball over was the third-longest in ICC Champions Trophy history, behind Bangladesh’s Hasibul Hossain and Zimbabwe’s Tinashe Panyangara, who each bowled 13-ball overs in previous editions.
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Although Shami is back on field now and looking fit again but as the match still unfolds, India will be hoping that Shami’s fitness concern does not turn into a long-term setback. In Shami’s absence, all-rounder Hardik pandya replaced the veteran seamer in the attack alongside Harshit Rana. Shami later returned to the field after the 11th over, immediately starting his second spell. While his start against Pakistan was far from ideal, Indian fans will be eager to see if he can bounce back in the upcoming matches and reclaim his match-winning form.
