Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi achieved a rare milestone by taking a wicket with the first ball of an ODI innings against Australia. The feat matters because it places him among a select group of Pakistan captains. The achievement highlights Shaheen’s growing impact as both a leader and strike bowler.
During the match in Lahore, Shaheen dismissed Australian opener Alex Carey with the opening delivery of the innings. Carey attempted to play at a ball moving away outside off stump but edged it and lost his wicket. The dismissal immediately put Australia under pressure and gave Pakistan a dream start.
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With the breakthrough, Shaheen became only the third Pakistan captain to take a wicket with the first ball of an ODI innings. The exclusive list previously included legendary fast bowlers Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis. Wasim achieved the feat against Zimbabwe in Karachi in 1993, while Waqar repeated it against England at Leeds in 2001.
Shaheen’s contribution extended well beyond the historic opening delivery. The left-arm pacer produced a disciplined spell and finished with three wickets for 36 runs from eight overs. His performance played a key role in restricting the Australian batting lineup.
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The milestone further strengthens Shaheen’s reputation as one of Pakistan’s leading fast bowlers. By joining two of the country’s greatest captains in the record books, he added another memorable chapter to his international career while helping Pakistan gain an important advantage against Australia.