If you thought Mohammed Shami’s best days were behind him, think again. On February 20, 2025, in India’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener against Bangladesh at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, the 34-year-old pacer roared back with a spellbinding 5/53—his first fifer in over a year. Reducing Bangladesh to a shaky 35/5 and claiming his 200th ODI wicket in the process, Shami didn’t just win India the match by 6 wickets—he stole hearts, headlines, and the Player of the Match award.
Fans on X are calling it the comeback of the decade, and this “Mohammed Shami 5 wickets” masterclass in “India vs Bangladesh CT 2025” has reignited debates: Is he India’s greatest-ever ODI pacer? Let’s break down why Shami’s return is the cricket story we can’t stop talking about.
The Spell That Shook Dubai
Picture this: Bangladesh, batting first after winning the toss, are dreaming of a solid start in their CT 2025 campaign. Enter Mohammed Shami with the new ball. In his second over, he sends Soumya Sarkar packing for 4—caught behind off a peach that swings late. Two balls later, Mehidy Hasan Miraz edges one to slip for a duck, and the crowd erupts. By his third over, Tanzid Hasan falls to Axar Patel, but Shami’s not done—he traps captain Najmul Hossain Shanto LBW for 8, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 19/4.
The carnage peaks in the ninth over when Shami returns to dismiss Mushfiqur Rahim for 2, caught at gully, making it 35/5. Five wickets down in under 10 overs, and Shami’s figures read 3/15. Bangladesh never recover fully, bowled out for 228 despite Towhid Hridoy’s heroic 100. Shami’s late strike to end a 154-run stand—dismissing Jaker Ali (68)—seals his fifer and his 200th ODI wicket, overtaking Zaheer Khan as India’s leading wicket-taker in ICC ODI events.
For the full scorecard, check Cricbuzz’s match summary.
Shami’s Comeback: A Journey of Grit
Shami’s 5/53 wasn’t just a performance—it was a triumph over adversity. Sidelined since the 2023 ODI World Cup final due to an ankle injury requiring surgery, he missed India’s T20 World Cup triumph in 2024 and months of international cricket. Critics whispered he’d lost his edge at 34, with youngsters like Harshit Rana (3/31 on debut) waiting in the wings. But Shami silenced them all in Dubai.
His rehab was grueling—countless hours in the gym, domestic spells in the Ranji Trophy, and a burning desire to reclaim his spot. On February 20, he showed why he’s irreplaceable: swing, seam, and sheer willpower. That 200th wicket—Jaker Ali bowled through the gate—wasn’t just a milestone; it was a middle finger to the doubters.
Stat Spotlight: Shami’s 5/53 is his seventh ODI fifer, tying him with Javagal Srinath for India’s most—and he’s not done yet.
Why This Fifer Matters for CT 2025
India’s bowling has been a question mark heading into Champions Trophy 2025. Jasprit Bumrah aside, consistency was a concern—until Shami stepped up. His 5/53 didn’t just dismantle Bangladesh; it set the tone for India’s campaign. With Pakistan’s batting juggernaut looming on February 23 and New Zealand’s Kane Williamson to follow, Shami’s form is a game-changer.
His ability to strike early—three wickets in the powerplay—exposed Bangladesh’s frailty and could do the same to Babar Azam or Jason Holder later. Paired with Bumrah and debutant Rana, Shami gives India a pace attack that’s both lethal and experienced. If India lift the trophy, this spell might be remembered as the moment it all clicked.
For the latest CT 2025 updates, visit ICC’s official site.
Shami vs India’s Pace Legends: The GOAT Debate
Shami’s 200 ODI wickets in 104 matches (avg. 24.16) put him in elite company. Let’s stack him up against India’s pace greats:
- Kapil Dev: 253 wickets in 225 games (avg. 27.45). The OG legend, but slower to milestones.
- Javagal Srinath: 236 wickets in 229 games (avg. 28.08). Seven fifers like Shami, but less economical.
- Zaheer Khan: 282 wickets in 200 games (avg. 29.43). A reverse-swing maestro, but Shami’s ahead in ICC events (73 wickets vs Zaheer’s 71).
Shami’s strike rate (one wicket every 29 balls) and knack for big moments—like his 5/54 in the 2023 World Cup semis—give him an edge. At 34, he’s got years left to chase Kapil’s tally. Fans on X are split: some crown him India’s best already; others say Kapil’s 1983 heroics can’t be topped. Where do you stand?
The Art of Shami’s Bowling
What makes Shami so deadly? It’s his versatility. Against Bangladesh, he swung the new ball like Jimmy Anderson, hit the deck like Dale Steyn, and bowled yorkers like Lasith Malinga. His third wicket—Shanto LBW—was a classic: pitching on off, nipping back to beat the bat. His fifth—Ali bowled—was pace and precision, crashing through a tired defense.
Shami’s upright seam position ensures movement, while his fitness post-injury lets him bowl 10 overs flat-out (economy 5.3). Commentator Harsha Bhogle nailed it: “He’s a surgeon with a cricket ball.” That 200th wicket ball? A collector’s item.
What’s Next for Shami and India?
Pakistan on February 23 is Shami’s next test. Their top order—Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman—will face a fired-up Shami, who’s 2-0 against them in ODIs (11 wickets). A repeat of his 5/36 from the 2019 World Cup could bury Pakistan’s semifinal hopes early.
If Shami stays fit, he’s India’s X-factor. His 73 wickets in ICC ODI events (World Cups + CT) are already a record for an Indian pacer, and at this rate, he could hit 100 by CT 2025’s end. Imagine a final where Shami’s swinging it under lights—pure box office.
Why This Could Go Viral
- Timely Buzz: Shami’s fifer and 200th wicket are trending post-February 20.
- Emotional Pull: A comeback story after injury hits fans in the feels.
- Hot Take: “Greatest ODI pacer” debate fuels shares and arguments.
- Visual Gold: Embed his wickets montage (YouTube has clips) or a graphic of “5/53 in 10 overs.”
Conclusion: Shami’s Back—and How!
Mohammed Shami’s 5/53 against Bangladesh wasn’t just a match-defining spell—it was a resurrection. From injury hell to CT 2025 hero, he’s reminded us why he’s India’s pace spearhead. The “Mohammed Shami 5 wickets” moment in “India vs Bangladesh CT 2025” has set the tournament alight, and with Pakistan next, the comeback king’s only getting started.
What’s your call? Is Shami India’s greatest ODI pacer yet? Drop your vote below—and share your favorite Shami spell! Let’s settle this: Kapil, Zaheer, or Shami—Who’s the GOAT?
