DUBAI: India’s seasoned fast bowler Mohammed Shami endured a nightmarish start to his spell in the much-anticipated ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 showdown against arch-rivals Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, inadvertently etching his name onto an unenviable record list.
Tasked with spearheading India’s bowling attack, Shami struggled to find his rhythm, laboring through an excruciating 11-ball first over—a dubious distinction that now sees him share the record for the most deliveries bowled in a single over by an Indian in One-Day Internationals (ODIs).
The right-arm pacer grappled with control, sending five wides skidding past both flanks of the wicket, further compounding his torrid start. By doing so, he found himself in the company of fellow Indian quicks Irfan Pathan and Zaheer Khan, who had similarly endured 11-ball overs in 2006 and 2003, respectively.
Most Balls Bowled in a Single Over for India in an ODI (Including Wides and No-Balls):
- Mohammed Shami – 11 balls vs PAK, Dubai (2025)
- Irfan Pathan – 11 balls vs WI, Kingston (2006)
- Zaheer Khan – 11 balls vs AUS, Wankhede (2003)
Curiously, all three instances of such prolonged overs occurred in the opening over of their respective innings, hinting at a trend of early-match jitters.
To make matters worse, Shami’s woes extended beyond wayward bowling. By the time he reached his third over, he seemingly sustained an ankle injury, necessitating immediate medical attention. Though he bravely soldiered on to finish the over, conceding a mere three runs in the process, he was ultimately unable to return for his fourth over. His departure prompted captain Rohit Sharma to introduce Hardik Pandya into the attack—a move that paid dividends instantly. Pandya delivered a breakthrough India sorely needed, dismissing Pakistan’s linchpin Babar Azam for 23.
Pakistan’s woes deepened in the subsequent over when opener Imam-ul-Haq fell victim to a moment of brilliance in the field—a pinpoint direct hit from Axar Patel sent him packing, further denting Pakistan’s innings.
At the time this report was filed, Pakistan had reached 55/2 in 11 overs, with captain Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel cautiously navigating their way forward, unbeaten on five and four runs, respectively.
Khalid Javed is a distinguished journalist and the esteemed Editor of Daily Olympic, a prominent publication in Pakistan. With a career marked by dedication and excellence, Khalid has established himself as a well-known figure in the field of journalism, earning respect for his insightful reporting and editorial expertise. His work at Daily Olympic reflects his commitment to delivering accurate, timely, and impactful news, particularly in the realm of sports and beyond. Khalid’s contributions to the media landscape in Pakistan have not only informed the public but also inspired aspiring journalists. His passion for journalism and his ability to navigate complex stories with clarity and integrity have made him a trusted voice in the industry.