Mohammed Shami, India’s indefatigable fast bowler, etched his name into cricket’s annals on Thursday, becoming the country’s quickest to reach 200 wickets in one-day internationals during a Champions Trophy clash against Bangladesh. The 34-year-old pacer, returning from a 14-month injury hiatus, marked the occasion with a stellar five-wicket haul, finishing with figures of 5 for 53 and reaffirming his prowess in cricket’s grandest arenas.

Shami reached the milestone in his 104th ODI, eclipsing the previous Indian record held by Ajit Agarkar, who took 133 matches. Globally, only Australia’s Mitchell Starc, with 102 games, stands ahead of him. The landmark wicket came when Shami dismissed Jaker Ali, who scored 68 in a defiant 154-run stand with Towhid Hridoy (100), a partnership that tested India’s resolve. Undeterred, Shami struck twice more, underlining his dominance.

This performance vaults Shami to the top of India’s wicket-taking charts in 50-over ICC events—the ODI World Cup and Champions Trophy—with 60 scalps, surpassing legends like Zaheer Khan (59) and Javagal Srinath (47). His ODI career, now spanning eight Indian bowlers to hit the 200-wicket mark, boasts an average below 25, bolstered by six five-wicket hauls and 10 four-wicket performances.

Shami’s return is a tale of resilience. Sidelined since the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia—where he led the tournament with 24 wickets—an ankle injury requiring surgery threatened to derail his career. A subsequent knee swelling prolonged his absence, keeping him out of international cricket for over a year. 

With Jasprit Bumrah sidelined, Shami has stepped up to spearhead India’s pace attack in the Champions Trophy. Thursday’s display in Dubai was a reminder of his artistry: pace, precision, and an unyielding spirit. For a bowler who once stared down the end, this milestone is not just a record—it’s a triumphant roar of revival.