Naseem Shah becomes joint-fastest Pakistani to 50 ODI wickets

Pakistan’s fast bowler Naseem Shah reached a significant milestone during the opening match of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi.

The 22-year-old pacer claimed his 50th ODI wicket in the 38th over of New Zealand’s innings by dismissing Will Young, who was caught at deep square leg.

With this achievement, Naseem became the joint-fastest Pakistani bowler to reach 50 ODI wickets, equaling Hasan Ali’s record of achieving the feat in 24 innings.

He also became the joint fifth-fastest bowler globally to reach the milestone, alongside Sri Lanka’s Ajantha Mendis, Australia’s Dennis Lillee, and India’s Ajit Agarkar.

In the match, Naseem finished with figures of 2/63 in his 10-over spell. However, New Zealand posted a formidable total of 320/5, courtesy of stellar batting performances from Will Young and Tom Latham.

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Young scored 107 off 113 balls, including 12 fours and a six, while Latham remained unbeaten on 118 from 104 deliveries, hitting 10 fours and three sixes.

The duo built a crucial 118-run partnership after New Zealand was reduced to 73/3. Glenn Phillips further accelerated the innings with a quick 61 off 39 balls, striking three fours and four sixes.