'Definitely slow compared to Bangladesh': Mohammed Shami raises heartbeat with injury scare, Hardik Pandya replaces pacer

India vs Pakistan: Mohammed Shami leaves field after struggling with ankle.

Mohammed Shami gave Indian cricket fans and team management a scare during the India vs Pakistan ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash in Dubai. The veteran pacer had a shaky start, bowling five wides in the first over of the innings, and later appeared to struggle with an ankle issue. The team physio came in to assess him, and soon after, Shami left the field accompanied by the medical staff of the Men in Blue. Hardik Pandya stepped in for Shami in the seventh over, looking to secure India's first breakthrough.

"Feeling the heat, the cramps. He's definitely slow in pace as compared to the game in Bangladesh," said Ravi Shastri during commentary after he saw the senior pacer struggle in Dubai.

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Average speed for Shami in the first spell against Pakistan was 131.7 kph, which is the lowest for him in his opening spell in ODIs since 2015.

Shami makes unwanted record during Pakistan clash

In the beginning of the contest, Shami bowled the longest over by an Indian in Champions Trophy history and the second-longest overall in the tournament. His 11-ball over surpassed Jasprit Bumrah’s nine-ball over, which also came against Pakistan in the 2017 Champions Trophy final at The Oval.

The 34-year-old Shami opened the bowling and delivered an extended first over to Pakistan’s openers, Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam. Struggling in the Dubai heat, he bowled five wides and later returned to the dugout for a shoe change.

When he came back for his third over, Shami appeared uncomfortable, clutching his ankle or calf area, prompting the physio to check on him. Despite the discomfort, he conceded only three runs in that over. However, after completing five overs, he walked off the field and headed to the dressing room, with Pakistan at 25 for no loss.

On the other hand, Harshit Rana began the proceedings sharply with some serious pace. He was bowling 140 plus against Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq.

KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma cant believe it 11 ball first over from Mohammed Shami during an important match of india vs Pakistan #INDvsPAK | #ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/Gp6mUouFaq
Indian Cricket Team (@incricketteam) February 23, 2025

Earlier, Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and elected to bat against India in their marquee Champions Trophy match on Sunday. Rohit Sharma and management went with the same lineup from the game against Bangladesh whereas for Pakistan, Imam-ul-Haq came in for Fakhar Zaman, who was ruled out of the tournament due to an injury.