The India-Pakistan Champions Trophy match is around the corner. Fans are eager to witness the battle between Mohammed Shami and Babar Azam. Shami is in top form, while Babar aims to find his rhythm. Their contest will be crucial in deciding the fate of the match.
- Mohammed Shami is India’s pace spearhead after Jasprit Bumrah’s exit.
- Babar Azam is Pakistan’s key batter but struggled in recent chases.
- Shami’s ability to trouble right-hand batters will test Babar’s skills.
Why Is Mohammed Shami Important for India?
After Bumrah’s exit, many doubted India’s fast bowling attack. However, Shami silenced critics with his record-breaking five-wicket haul against Bangladesh. He became the fastest Indian to reach 200 ODI wickets.
- Shami has 5 wickets in 3 matches, conceding only 107 runs in 28 overs.
- His economy rate of 3.82 makes him a reliable bowler in powerplays.
- With his experience and lethal seam movement, he is a major threat to Pakistan’s batters.
Babar Azam vs Mohammed Shami: Head-to-Head Record
Babar had the upper hand with a strike rate of 144.4. However, ODIs are different, and Shami’s experience can make a difference.
Babar Azam vs Mohammed Shami in T20I:
Babar and Shami have faced each other only once in a T20I match (2021).
| Balls | Runs | Dismissals | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 13 | 0 | 144.4 |
Shami’s Strength Against Right-Hand Batters
Shami is highly effective against right-hand batters.
Shami’s ODI Record vs Right-Hand Batters:
His ability to swing the ball and maintain tight lines makes him a dangerous opponent for Babar.
| Criterion | Data |
|---|---|
| Innings | 102 |
| Wickets | 141 |
| Economy Rate | 5.49 |
| Average | 21.3 |
| Best Figure | 5/50 |
Can Babar Azam Counter Mohammed Shami?
Babar is a world-class batter who thrives against right-arm pace.
Babar Azam vs Right-Arm Pace in ODIs:
Babar’s ability to find gaps and rotate strike will be key against Shami’s sharp deliveries.
| Phase | Runs | Balls | Strike Rate | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 2,989 | 3,337 | 89.6 | 49 |
| 2024-25 | 172 | 216 | 79.6 | 43 |
Shami’s Powerplay Strength
Shami is lethal in the early overs. His powerplay record speaks volumes.
- 53 wickets in 101 innings in powerplays.
- Average of 31.71 and economy rate of 4.56.
If Shami removes Babar early, Pakistan’s middle order will be under pressure.
The Ultimate Face-Off
Shami’s plan will be to bowl in tight channels and induce false shots. On the other hand, Babar will look to counterattack with timing and placement.
The answer lies in how well Babar Azam handles the first few overs against Mohammed Shami’s fiery spells.
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ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Matches
Pakistan vs New Zealand - 1st Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs India - 2nd Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs South Africa - 3rd Match, Group B | Australia vs England - 4th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs India - 5th Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs New Zealand - 6th Match, Group A | Australia vs South Africa - 7th Match, Group B | Afghanistan vs England - 8th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs Bangladesh - 9th Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs Australia - 10th Match, Group B | England vs South Africa - 11th Match, Group B | New Zealand vs India - 12th Match, Group A | TBA vs TBA, 1st Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, 2nd Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, Final |
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Teams
PAKISTAN | NEW ZEALAND | BANGLADESH | INDIA | AFGHANISTAN | SOUTH AFRICA | AUSTRALIA | ENGLAND
