Mohammed Shami Joins Elite Club with 200 ODI Wickets

Indian pacer Mohammed Shami etched his name in history by becoming the fastest Indian bowler to reach 200 ODI wickets during the India vs Bangladesh clash in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at Dubai. He achieved this milestone in a record number of matches, surpassing Ajit Agarkar’s previous Indian record (133 matches). Globally, he equaled Pakistan’s Saqlain Mushtaq as the joint second fastest and is only behind Mitchell Starc (102 matches). Additionally, he set another record by becoming India’s highest wicket-taker in ICC ODI events with 60 wickets in just 19 matches, surpassing Zaheer Khan’s tally of 59 wickets.

Key highlights of Shami’s Milestone

1. Fastest Indian to 200 ODI Wickets

• Achieved 200 ODI wickets in just 110 matches, surpassing Ajit Agarkar’s record of 133 matches.
• Became the eighth Indian bowler to reach this milestone.
• Joint second fastest globally, alongside Saqlain Mushtaq (110 matches).
• Only Mitchell Starc (102 matches) has reached the mark faster.

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2. Record-Breaking Performance in ICC ODI Events

• Became India’s highest wicket-taker in ICC ODI events with 60 wickets in 19 matches.
• Surpassed Zaheer Khan’s record (59 wickets in ICC ODI events).
• Holds the best strike rate (15.5) in ICC ODI tournaments among bowlers with at least 50 wickets.
• Five-wicket haul in the match against Bangladesh.

3. Shami’s Performance in IND vs BAN Champions Trophy Match

5 wickets haul, dismissing key batters,

• Soumya Sarkar – Caught behind by KL Rahul in the first over.
• Mehidy Hasan Miraz – Caught at slip by Shubman Gill.
• Jaker Ali – Caught by Virat Kohli (200th ODI wicket).
• Tanzim Hasan Sakib – Bowled with an off-cutter.
• Taskin Ahmed – Caught at deep midwicket.

4. Best Strike Rates in Men’s ICC ODI Events (Minimum 50 Wickets)

• Mohammed Shami holds the best strike rate (15.5) in ICC ODI events among bowlers with a minimum of 50 wickets, making him the most efficient wicket-taker in these tournaments.
• He has taken 60 wickets in just 19 matches, highlighting his ability to consistently deliver breakthroughs.
• Mitchell Starc follows with 71 wickets in 32 matches at a strike rate of 23.7, showcasing his dominance in ICC events.
• Brett Lee (27.4), Lasith Malinga (27.8), and Glenn McGrath (27.9) complete the top five, further underlining Shami’s exceptional impact.
• His ability to strike at frequent intervals sets him apart as one of the most lethal bowlers in world cricket.

5. Comeback After Injury

• Last played international cricket in the 2023 ODI World Cup final before undergoing surgery.
• Struggled with rehabilitation but was determined to return to the field.
• Rohit Sharma’s support: Stated that the team prioritized Shami’s return to Indian colors over his immediate wicket-taking performance.

6. Shami’s Reaction & Determination

• Found it difficult to adjust after surgery but remained motivated.
• First question to doctors: “How soon can I get back on the field?”
• Focused on recovery: Walking → Jogging → Running → Competitive Cricket.