GUWAHATI: Indian bowler Mohammed Shami on Sunday, February 23, bowled an 11-ball opening over against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy clash, the longest by an Indian in the tournament's history.
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Shami's wayward start included five wides, surpassing Jasprit Bumrah’s nine-ball over in the 2017 Champions Trophy final against Pakistan as well. The former’s five wides were also the most bowled in an opening over in the tournament. However, Zimbabwe’s Tinashe Panyangara holds the overall record in the game with seven wides in a single over.
The Indian pacer appeared off rhythm and was attended to by the team physio during his third over. He later left the field briefly before returning to continue his spell. Despite his struggles, Shami remained wicketless in his initial spell, as did fellow pacer Harshit Rana.
Pakistan’s innings saw an early breakthrough when Hardik Pandya dismissed captain Babar Azam in the ninth over. Babar, who started well, was dismissed for 23 runs off 23 balls, hitting five boundaries.
Shami, meanwhile, had earlier delivered a strong performance in India’s tournament opener against Bangladesh, taking 5-53. His efforts, combined with Shubman Gill’s unbeaten century, helped India secure a comfortable six-wicket victory.
Pakistan, led by Mohammad Rizwan, won the toss and opted to bat first in this crucial encounter. A loss in this match would eliminate them from semi-final contention, having already suffered a 60-run defeat against New Zealand in their first Group A match in Karachi.
