Champions Trophy: Mohammed Shami sets new world record, Virat Kohli equals massive Azharuddin feat

Virat Kohli equals massive record in ODI cricket; Mohammed Shami beats Mitchell Starc to fastest 200 ODI wickets.

Champions Trophy: Mohammed Shami is back. The premier fast-bowler has announced his comeback with a roar in the opening match of Champions Trophy 2025 against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Stadium on Thursday (February 20). Playing his first ICC tournament match since the ODI World Cup final 2023, Shami broke Mitchell Starc's record for being the fastest bowler to 200 ODI wickets (in terms of ball bowled). He also became the fastest Indian to fastest 200 ODI wickets in terms of matches played. Enroute his stellar feat, he also beat BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar by a huge margin.

Shami dismissed Jaker Ali for 68 in the 43rd over to achieve this milestone. He bowled a well-planned slower delivery and Ali went for the big one a bit too early. He could not clear the rope as Virat Kohli completed an easy catch at long-on. Here is the list of bowlers fastest to 200 ODI wickets (balls bowled and matches)...

Fewest balls to 200 ODI wickets

5126 - Mohammed Shami

5240 - Mitchell Starc

5451 - Saqlain Mushtaq

5640 - Brett Lee

5783 - Trent Boult

5883 - Waqar Younis

Fewest ODIs to 200 wickets

102 - Mitchell Starc

104 - Mohammed Shami/ Saqlain Mushtaq

107 - Trent Boult

112 - Brett Lee

117 - Allan Donald

He is BACK and HOW for Mohd. Shami against Bangladesh!Follow the Match https://t.co/ggnxmdG0VK#TeamIndia | #BANvIND | #ChampionsTrophy | @MdShami11 pic.twitter.com/sX0dT9cCbp
BCCI (@BCCI) February 20, 2025

Former India captain Virat Kohli also scripted his name in the history books of cricket once again as he equalled Mohammad Azharuddin's record for most catches by an Indian in ODI cricket. Kohli secured his 156th ODI catch on the fourth ball of the 43rd over.

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With 156 catches, Kohli and Azharuddin lead the charts for India, well ahead of Sachin Tendulkar (140), Rahul Dravid (124), and Suresh Raina (102). In international cricket, they trail only Sri Lanka’s Mahela Jayawardene (218) and Australia’s Ricky Ponting (160).

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Kohli has a strong chance to surpass Ponting during the 2025 Champions Trophy, as India is set to play at least two more group-stage matches against Pakistan and New Zealand. If they advance, he could have additional opportunities in the semi-final and final.

Most catches as fielder for India (ODI)

156 - Mohammad Azharuddin

156 - Virat Kohli *

140 - Sachin Tendulkar

124 - Rahul Dravid

102 - Suresh Raina