India vs Pakistan, Champions Trophy 2025: Netizens in Disbelief After Mohammed Shami Bowls 5 Wides in First Over, See Twitter Reactions

Add as a preferred source on Google

India vs Pakistan, Champions Trophy 2025: Mohammed Shami had a disastrous start to India's highly anticipated clash against Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy on February 23, delivering five wides in his opening over.

The usually reliable pacer struggled with his line and length, spraying deliveries both down the leg side and well outside off. His first over lasted a prolonged 11 balls, with Indian captain Rohit Sharma seen looking visibly perplexed. Given Shami’s experience and pedigree, such an erratic start was unexpected, prompting an immediate social media storm.

Cricket fans on Twitter were quick to react, with many expressing their surprise and humour at Shami’s wayward start. Some referenced India’s bowling struggles in previous high-pressure encounters, while others took a lighthearted approach, making memes about the pacer’s unexpected 'contribution’ to Pakistan’s total.

How Twitter Reacted to Mohammed Shami’s Chaotic First Over

One fan quipped that Shami was scoring runs faster than Babar Azam, while another remarked that the over felt like it had been going on since yesterday.

Some fans were concerned about Shami’s form, with one sarcastically suggesting that Rohit Sharma might have to call Jasprit Bumrah from the stands to take over.

Another admitted they had never seen Shami bowl so many wides in a single spell.

Meanwhile, a Pakistani supporter cheekily requested Shami to continue in the same manner and add 300 more runs.

Despite the rough start, Shami quickly corrected his lengths in the next over, ensuring there were no more wides. The pitch in Rawalpindi had some early movement, which made it challenging for both batters and bowlers. Pakistan’s openers looked cautious after Shami’s opening over, while India’s bowlers tried to apply pressure.

India vs Pakistan, Champions Trophy 2025: Match Context

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is witnessing one of cricket's most intense rivalries as India faces Pakistan on February 23 in Dubai.

This high-stakes encounter carries significant weight, especially for Pakistan, who are in a precarious position after a substantial 60-run defeat to New Zealand in their opening match. A loss today could jeopardize their chances of advancing in the tournament, making this a must-win situation for them.

India, on the other hand, enters the match with confidence, having secured a six-wicket victory over Bangladesh in their first game. The team aims to maintain their winning momentum and solidify their position in the competition.

India vs Pakistan, Champions Trophy 2025: Playing XI

India Playing XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami

Pakistan Playing XI: Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed