Shaheen equals Umar Gul’s ODI record

By Our Correspondent
February 09, 2025
Pakistans Shaheen Shah Afridi celebrates dismissing New Zealands Kane Williamson during the first match of the tri-nation ODI series on February 8, 2025 and Umar Gul celebrates dismissing Indias Virat Kohli during their ACC Mens Asia Cup 2014 match in Mirpur on March 2, 214. — AFP
Pakistan's Shaheen Shah Afridi celebrates dismissing New Zealand's Kane Williamson during the first match of the tri-nation ODI series on February 8, 2025 and Umar Gul celebrates dismissing India's Virat Kohli during their ACC Men's Asia Cup 2014 match in Mirpur on March 2, 214. — AFP

LAHORE: Pakistan’s left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi achieved a significant milestone during the opening match of the tri-nation ODI series against New Zealand at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday. Afridi equaled the record of legendary pacer Umar Gul by taking his ninth wicket in the first over of an ODI match.

Afridi, who already holds the record for the most first-over wickets in T20s, reached this milestone on the fourth delivery of the innings by dismissing New Zealand’s Will Young caught behind. This achievement places him joint-second with Umar Gul, behind only Mohammad Irfan and Wasim Akram, who both have taken 10 wickets in the first over of an ODI match.

Afridi’s early strike gave Pakistan a strong start against New Zealand, reducing them to 39/2 in 7.4 overs.