Champions Trophy: Shami Sets Record as Fastest Indian Bowler to 200 ODI Wickets
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Synopsis
Mohammed Shami has become the fastest Indian bowler to reach 200 ODI wickets, achieving this milestone with a stunning performance of 5-53 against Bangladesh in the 2025 Champions Trophy. His accomplishment surpasses Ajit Agarkar's record and highlights his remarkable return to form.
Key Takeaways
- Shami's milestone reached in 104 matches.
- Second-fastest bowler globally to 200 ODI wickets.
- Quickest in terms of balls bowled at 5126.
- Most five-wicket hauls for an Indian bowler in ODIs.
- Leading wicket-taker for India in ICC 50-over events.
Dubai, Feb 20 (NationPress) Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami has etched his name in history as the fastest Indian bowler to achieve 200 wickets in men's ODIs, claiming figures of 5-53 in the 2025 Champions Trophy Group A match against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Stadium on Thursday.
Prior to the match, skipper Rohit Sharma expressed that he wasn’t concerned about Shami's performance, having taken just one ODI wicket in the two games against England earlier this month, and showed faith in his ability to perform on significant occasions.
Shami validated Rohit’s confidence by securing his 200th ODI wicket, dismissing Jaker Ali, who mishit a wide slower ball to long-on during the 43rd over. This remarkable feat was achieved in just 104 matches, surpassing the previous record held by current chief selector Ajit Agarkar, who reached the milestone in 133 matches.
At 34, Shami also stands as the second-quickest bowler to reach 200 men’s ODI wickets, sharing this distinction with former Pakistan spinner and head coach Saqlain Mushtaq. The record for the fastest remains with Australia’s left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc, who attained it in 102 matches.
Moreover, Shami has made history as the quickest bowler to reach 200 men’s ODI wickets in terms of balls bowled, with a tally of 5126 deliveries, outpacing Starc’s 5240 balls. His impressive figures of 5-53 mark his sixth five-wicket haul in men’s ODIs and fifth in an ICC 50-over tournament for India.
Shami is now among only seven bowlers globally who have claimed more five-wicket hauls in ODIs than him, holding the record for the most five-fors by an Indian bowler in this format. Additionally, he has surpassed India’s legendary left-arm fast-bowler Zaheer Khan to become India’s leading wicket-taker in ICC 50-over events, amassing 60 wickets in just 19 innings.
He was the highest wicket-taker in the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup, where India finished as runners-up on home ground. Following a year-long absence due to an ankle injury that required surgery, Shami made a triumphant return to international cricket earlier this year, and his relief was palpable when he achieved a remarkable five-wicket haul against Bangladesh in Dubai.
