Mohammed Shami Makes IPL History with Fifth First-Ball Wicket Despite LSG Defeat to DC
Veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami cemented his place in the record books during the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) IPL 2026 season opener against the Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Ekana Stadium. Shami dismissed KL Rahul for a golden duck on the very first delivery of the run chase, becoming the first bowler in the tournament’s history to claim five first-ball wickets.
Shami’s Record-Breaking Opening Spell
Returning to top-flight cricket after a prolonged absence from the national setup, the 35-year-old pacer delivered an immediate breakthrough. By removing Rahul on ball one, Shami set a new benchmark in IPL history. Shami finished his four-over quota with figures of 1 for 28, demonstrating excellent rhythm and control.
- Milestone: First bowler to take five first-ball wickets in the IPL.
- Match Figures: 4 overs, 28 runs, 1 wicket.
- Economy Rate: 7.00 runs per over.
Match Summary: Delhi Capitals Chase Down 142
Shami’s opening strike triggered an initial collapse, reducing the Delhi Capitals to 26 for 4 in the powerplay. However, the Lucknow Super Giants failed to maintain the pressure. An unbroken 109-run partnership for the fifth wicket between Sameer Rizvi and Tristan Stubbs guided Delhi to a six-wicket victory.
| Innings | Score | Key Contributors |
|---|---|---|
| Lucknow Super Giants (Batting) | 141 All Out (18.4 overs) | – |
| Delhi Capitals (Bowling) | 10 Wickets | Lungi Ngidi, T Natarajan |
| Delhi Capitals (Batting) | 142/4 (Winning Score) | Sameer Rizvi (70*), Tristan Stubbs (39*) |
| Lucknow Super Giants (Bowling) | 4 Wickets | Mohammed Shami (1-28) |
Earlier in the evening, the LSG batting lineup struggled against the Delhi bowling attack. Seamers Lungi Ngidi and T Natarajan systematically dismantled the LSG order, bowling them out for 141 with eight deliveries remaining in the innings.
Future Plans and Retirement Stance
Despite being out of the Indian national team for over a year, Shami explicitly stated that retirement is not currently under consideration. The veteran bowler intends to continue playing as long as he maintains his passion for the sport.
“The day I feel lazy or bored, I will quit. But I am neither bored nor lazy. I am enjoying the game,” Shami confirmed during a pre-match media interaction.
While LSG starts their campaign with a defeat, Shami’s personal milestone and sustained bowling speed remain positive indicators for the franchise moving forward in the tournament.