Mohammed Shami creates IPL history with rare first-ball wicket record

Sunrisers Hyderabad pacer Mohammed Shami added another feather to his cap during the team`s clash against Chennai Super Kings, as he became the bowler with the most dismissals on the very first delivery of an innings in IPL history.

In a high-stakes encounter, Shami struck immediately, removing CSK’s opener Shaikh Rasheed for a golden duck. His delivery, bowled with impeccable seam presentation, kissed the outside edge of Rasheed’s bat and landed safely in the hands of Abhishek Sharma at slip. It marked the fourth occasion that Shami has struck on the first ball of an innings in IPL, a feat unmatched by any other bowler in the tournament.

Shami’s list of first-ball victims in the IPL began in 2014 when he dismissed Jacques Kallis in Dubai. In 2022, he removed KL Rahul with a peach at Wankhede Stadium. A year later, Phil Salt became his third scalp in Ahmedabad. Rasheed now joins this elite list as the 2025 season’s latest addition. Shami finished the match with figures of 1/28 from three overs, a modest but impactful spell.

Despite Shami’s historic strike, his season overall has been challenging. In eight matches so far, he has taken six wickets at an average of 48.16 and an economy rate of 10.70. His best performance this season remains a 2/28 spell, highlighting a struggle for consistency.

As for the match itself, SRH, after winning the toss, opted to bowl first. CSK’s innings lacked cohesion, as wickets fell at regular intervals. However, promising performances from two young batters provided brief hope. Dewald Brevis impressed with a dynamic 42 off 25 deliveries, which included one four and four towering sixes. Ayush Mhatre, too, showcased his strokeplay, scoring a brisk 30 off 19 balls, laced with six boundaries.

Nevertheless, CSK’s effort wasn’t enough as the team collapsed for a below-par total of 154 in 19.5 overs. Harshal Patel was the standout performer with the ball for SRH, claiming 4/28 in his four overs. Jaydev Unadkat also chipped in with two wickets for just 21 runs in under three overs.

The result of the match would determine which team secures their third win of the season, with the losing side condemned to the bottom of the standings, intensifying the race for a late resurgence in IPL 2025.

(With ANI inputs)