Bowlers with the Most Wide Balls in the First Over of ICC Champions Trophy

Fiery pacer Mohammed Shami made a harrowing start in his opening over for India (IND) against the arch-rivals Pakistan (PAK), in the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025 clash. Notably, the game is a Sunday (February 23) blockbuster, which is being played at the renowned Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS), in the vibrant city of Dubai.

Shami who recently made his much-awaited into the national side, looked lacklustre both in terms of rhythm and accuracy. As a result, this ended in him bowling five wides in the opening over of the match. This meant that the Amroha-based bowler got himself into an unwanted list of bowlers. Moreover, he also became the first Indian bowler to have bowled the most wides in an over in ODI history. Notably, this performance came after his most recent outing against Bangladesh, where the pacer claimed a five-wicket haul.

Who holds record for bowling most wides in opening over of Champions Trophy?

When it comes to the coveted Champions Trophy, apart from Mohammed Shami, only bowler holds the record for bowling the most wides in the first over of the marquee event. While Shami bowled five wides in his over which is the second-most by a bowler, Zimbabwe's Tinashe Panyangara holds the record for bowling most wides in an over in the mega ICC event. The former right-arm fast-medium pacer bowled seven wides against England in the Champions Trophy 2004 edition.

India suffer injury scare as Shami went off the field

Meanwhile, speaking of the high-octane clash between India and Pakistan, after a dismal first over, Shami gave fans and the team an injury scare after he went off the field after the third over of his bowling spell. Notably, a team physio was seen attending him as he seemingly faced some issues with his leg. However, to everyone's relief, the speedster came back to bowl again after a while.

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Besides, the high-voltage game saw Pakistan winning the toss and electing to bat first. Interestingly, this was the 12th occasion in tandem where India lost the toss. The last time Rohit Sharma won the toss was way back in the year 2023 when the Men in Blue clashed against New Zealand in the ODI World Cup semifinal.

Pakistan made one change, India unchanged for Champions Trophy clash

Now coming to the playing XIs, opener Fakhar Zaman failed to get fit to get back into the side. As a result, Imam ul-Haq was drafted into the playing XI. While Team India retained their side from the last match and remained unchanged.

"Will bat first, looks like a good surface. Want to put up a good target. Every match is important in ICC events, we will keep things normal. The boys are familiar with these conditions, we have done well here and we want to do our best today. We lost our last game, but it is past for us now. One change - Fakhar is out, Imam is in," said Rizwan during the toss.

"Doesn't really matter, they won the toss so we'll bowl first. Looks similar to the last game, the surface is on the slower side. We have an experienced unit in batting so we know what we need to do if the pitches get slower. Need an overall performance from the team - with bat and ball. The last game wasn't an easy one for us, which is always nice. You want to be under pressure and test yourself. We are playing the same team," the Indian captain Rohit mentioned at the toss.