Shaheen Equals Umar Gul’s ODI Record with Early Breakthrough Against New Zealand

LAHORE: Pakistan’s left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi has equaled Umar Gul’s record for the most wickets taken in the first over of an ODI match. Afridi achieved the milestone during the opening match of the tri-nation ODI series against New Zealand at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.

Afridi struck early in the match, taking the wicket of New Zealand’s Will Young on the fourth delivery of the innings, which marked his ninth wicket in the first over of an ODI, tying him with Gul. This achievement places Afridi among the select few who have taken the highest number of wickets in the opening over, with the record co-held by Gul and Mohammad Irfan, who each have 10.

Most ODI Wickets in the First Over for Pakistan:

• Mohammad Irfan: 10
• Wasim Akram: 10
• Shaheen Shah Afridi: 9
• Umar Gul: 9

Afridi’s early breakthrough set the tone for Pakistan, reducing New Zealand to 39/2 in just 7.4 overs. However, the visiting side recovered with a solid 95-run partnership between Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell. Afridi broke the partnership by dismissing Williamson in the 27th over, while Haris Rauf further strengthened Pakistan’s position by removing Tom Latham for a duck in the next over.

Read More: PM Shehbaz Highlights Pakistan’s Recovery and Economic Progress

At the time of writing, New Zealand were 146/4 in 29 overs, with Mitchell and Glenn Phillips at the crease, unbeaten on 46 and six runs, respectively.