Shaheen Afridi Creates History: Which special record did Shaheen Afridi create by dismissing Alex Carey on the very first ball against Australia? Who are the other captains of Pakistan who have taken a wicket on the first ball of an ODI match? When and against which batsman had Shaheen Afridi previously achieved the feat of taking a wicket on the first ball in ODI cricket?
Shaheen Afridi: There are some moments in cricket which go beyond the scorecard and become a part of history. Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi created one such moment in the second ODI against Australia at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. By bowling Australian batsman Alex Carey on the very first ball of the match, he not only gave a great start to his team but also made a rare record in his name.
In the second match of the three-match ODI series, Pakistan won the toss and chose to bowl first. Captain Shaheen took the new ball and hit the very first delivery in a way that even the Australian camp might not have expected.
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Alex Carey’s game ended on the first ball.
Shaheen bowled a full length ball outside the off stump. Australia’s wicketkeeper batsman Alex Carey tried to play a cut shot, but the ball hit the inner edge of the bat and went straight into the stumps. Carey returned to the pavilion without opening the account and Pakistan got a big success on the very first ball of the match. This wicket was not only the opening blow of the match, but also became a special moment to be recorded in the record books.
Shaheen became the third captain to create history for Pakistan
With this wicket, Shaheen Shah Afridi has become the third captain of Pakistan to take a wicket on the first ball of the match in ODI cricket. Earlier this feat was achieved by only two great fast bowlers.
Pakistani captain who took wicket on the first ball of ODI match
- Wasim Akram – Andy Flower (Zimbabwe), Karachi, 24 December 1993
- Waqar Younis – Marcus Trescothick (England), Leeds, June 17, 2001
- Shaheen Shah Afridi – Alex Carey (Aus), Lahore, June 2, 2026
After about 25 years, a Pakistani captain has achieved this feat.
Did not do this feat for the first time
Interestingly, this achievement is not at all new for Shaheen. Even in April 2022, he dismissed Travis Head on the very first ball of the ODI match against Australia. That means Shaheen has now joined the list of select Pakistani bowlers who have taken a wicket on the first ball of the match more than once in ODI cricket.
Third bowler after Wasim Akram and Mohammad Irfan
Shaheen Shah Afridi has now become the third Pakistani bowler after Wasim Akram and Mohammad Irfan who has sent the batsman to the pavilion on the first ball of the match more than once in ODI cricket. This achievement reflects his consistently effective performance with the new ball and his ability to put pressure on the batsmen in the early overs.
Good sign for Pakistan
After taking over the captaincy of the team, Shaheen Afridi is continuously setting an example with his bowling. Taking a wicket on the very first ball against a strong team like Australia is not only a confidence-boosting moment but also gives a positive message to the entire team. If Shaheen continues to put pressure on the opposition teams with the new ball, then Pakistan’s bowling may prove to be even more dangerous in the upcoming big tournaments.
This match played in Lahore became memorable for Shaheen Shah Afridi. By bowling Alex Carey on the very first ball, he not only gave an initial blow to Australia but also registered his name in the history of Pakistan cricket. This record is another great example of the impact of his fast bowling, aggressive thinking and captaincy.
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