Shaheen Shah Afridi's first-ball wicket vs Australia puts him alongside Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis

Recently entrusted with ODI captaincy, Shaheen Afridi etched his name into a rare record book for Pakistan.

Updated on: Jun 2, 2026, 19:41:51 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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Shaheen Shah Afridi added another milestone to his growing reputation on Tuesday, achieving a feat that places him in rare company among Pakistan's ODI captains. Leading the side in the second ODI against Australia at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, the left-arm fast bowler struck with the very first delivery of the match to dismiss Alex Carey.

Shaheen Afridi dismissed Alex Carey on the first ball against Australia in second ODI. (AFP)

The breakthrough gave Pakistan the ideal start. Shaheen's delivery was pitched outside the off stump and invited a shot from Carey, who could only manage an edge that crashed back onto the stumps. The wicket sparked immediate celebrations as Pakistan seized the early advantage.

Known for his ability to make an impact with the new ball, Shaheen once again showed why he remains one of the most dangerous fast bowlers in international cricket. The dismissal was significant not only for its timing but also for earning him a place in Pakistan's record books.

The wicket was significant for more than just the early breakthrough. Recently entrusted with Pakistan's ODI captaincy, Shaheen etched his name into a rare chapter of the country's cricket history by becoming only the third Pakistan skipper to take a wicket with the opening ball of an ODI innings. It was another example of the left-arm quick's ability to make an impact immediately and set the tone for his side.

Before Shaheen, only two Pakistan captains had achieved the feat, both regarded among the finest fast bowlers the game has seen. The first was Wasim Akram, who struck with the very first delivery against Zimbabwe in Karachi in December 1993, dismissing Andy Flower and giving Pakistan a dream start.

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The next captain to do so was Waqar Younis. In June 2001, during an ODI against England at Headingley, Waqar removed Marcus Trescothick with the first ball of the innings, joining Akram in an exclusive club.

More than two decades later, Shaheen has added his name alongside those legendary figures. For a bowler who has built a reputation on providing early breakthroughs, it was a fitting achievement and another milestone in his growing leadership journey.

Shaheen opts to bowl

Earlier, Pakistan skipper Shaheen won the toss and opted to field first.

"We will bowl first. We want to try and get wickets and restrict them. Absolutely, my aim is the same, to get an early wicket. If not early, then come on in the middle overs, take one or two wickets, and help the team. We are playing the same team," he said at the toss.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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