LAHORE: Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi on Tuesday carved his name into the record books by dismissing Australia’s Alex Carey with the very first ball of the second ODI at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday.
Bowling a full and wide delivery that shattered Carey’s stumps, Shaheen became only the third Pakistan captain in ODI history to take a wicket on the opening delivery of an innings, joining two legendary pace icons, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis.
A unique feat for Pakistan captain @iShaheenAfridi today 💫
➡️ Download #PCBLIVE app now 📲
Google Play Store: https://t.co/5mBlUcoG8g
Apple App Store: https://t.co/RpeYQPshnh
Watch Live: https://t.co/M8wsOD8omx#PAKvAUS | #TakraarKaTime | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/lh6zWbjS25— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) June 2, 2026
Akram was the pioneer, having removed Zimbabwe’s Andy Flower on the first ball in Karachi back in 1993. Younis matched the feat in 2001 when he accounted for England’s Marcus Trescothick in Leeds.
Pakistan Captains with a wicket on the first delivery
- Wasim Akram– 1993 vs Zimbabwe (Karachi)
- Waqar Younis– 2001 vs England (Leeds)
- Shaheen Shah Afridi– 2026 vs Australia (Lahore)
FIRST-BALL WICKET ⚡@iShaheenAfridi soars from the get-go! 🦅
➡️ Download #PCBLIVE app now 📲
Google Play Store: https://t.co/5mBlUcoG8g
Apple App Store: https://t.co/RpeYQPshnh
Watch Live: https://t.co/M8wsOD8omx#PAKvAUS | #TakraarKaTime | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/fmSVLBIYpl— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) June 2, 2026
Shaheen’s three-wicket haul
After the dream start, Shaheen continued to torment Australia. He later removed Matthew Kuhnemann in the 47th over before striking again in the 49th to dismiss Nathan Ellis, finishing with outstanding figures of 3/36 from eight economical overs.
Backed by Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, and Arafat Minhas, Pakistan’s bowling attack successfully restricted Australia to a modest 231/9 at the end of their 50 overs.
Pakistan in trouble during chase
However, the home side’s celebration was short-lived. At the time of filing, the Green Shirts were reeling at 74/5 after 16 overs in their run chase, still needing 157 runs from 34 overs to clinch the match.
Pakistan currently lead the three-match ODI series 1-0, having secured a hard-fought five-wicket victory over Australia in the first ODI held in Rawalpindi last week.
