Rishabh Pant is known to be the jokester of the Indian cricket team and the stunts he pulls, in person or on the social media, are taken in good spirit by his teammates. Earlier this week, the wicket-keeper batsman decided to prey on the pacer, Mohammed Shami when he turned 31 on September 3. However, the response Pant got left the cricketer as stunned as his fans.

Also Read : Fastest 11000 runs as an opener in international cricket

On Shami's birthday, Pant decided to wish him on Twitter with a very cheeky post.

"@MdShami11 bhai, ball aur umar dono tezi se nikli jaa rahi hai. Happy birthday! (@MdShami11 bro, ball and your age, both are rushing by quickly. Happy birthday!)" wrote the middle-order dynamic batter in his special birthday wish on the micro-blogging website

Rishabh Pant, in his latest twitter post

While it was typical of Pant to crack such jokes, his fans and followers were taken by surprise when Mohammed Shami decided to pull the 23-year-old's leg in return and responded with a super cheeky message of his own.

"Apna time aayega beta ball or Umar ko koi nahi rook saka but motape ka treatment aaj bhi hota hai @RishabhPant17 (Our time will come and nobody could stop age but there's still treatment available for being fat even today @RishabhPant17)."

Mohammad Shami, in his latest twitter post

Read Also : Is team India looking Ravindra Jadeja as a top order batsman?

Fans of both the cricketers were amazes to see such a banter take place online. However, here's how some of them reacted.

Also Read : Can KL Rahul be the wicket-keeper batsman in Test cricket?

If it would have been anyone else in place of Rishabh Pant on the receiving end of such a comment. Although, they would have definitely gotten hurt and responded to keep the banter going. However, the Indian southpaw is one of those rare people who can take a joke on themselves and genuinely laugh about it too.

Hello and welcome to the LIVE coverage of the India vs New Zealand Final in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, to be played today at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai.

Exactly a week ago, India faced off against New Zealand in the last group game of the Group A. India won the match by 44 runs to finish first in the group stage.

However, India defeated Australia by four wickets in the first semi-final, whereas New Zealand posted a dominant win by 50 runs against South Africa in the second semi-final.

Both teams have displayed supreme cricketing action so far in this tournament, setting up a potential thrilling final. So just relax and enjoy the epic clash as Sportz Point provides you with all the real-time updates, team news, live scores, images and match commentary of the epic India vs New Zealand Final in the ICC CT '25.

This is Koushik Biswas and Soumit Bhattacharya who bring you all the LIVE Updates from the web desk.

Moreover, you can follow us on Twitter for all the updates. Join our Telegram and WhatsApp channels to get all the news and scores.

Indian bowler Mohammed Shami recently demanded the ICC to lift the ban on applying saliva on ball. Now former New Zealand bowler Tim Southee and former South African all-rounder Vernon Philander have supported Shami's demand.

Shami, while talking to reporters after Team India's 4-wicket win over Australia in the first semi-final of the Champions Trophy, had requested the ICC to lift the ban on the use of saliva on ball.

Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025 Final: India vs New Zealand match preview | Head-to-head stats, Possible XI, match prediction, streaming details

Use of saliva on ball should be allowed to bring back reverse swing

"We are trying (to get reverse swing), but the usage of saliva on the ball is not allowed," Shami told reporters.

"We keep appealing that we should be allowed to use saliva so that we can bring reverse swing back into the game and it becomes interesting."

Southee and Philander backed Shami

Supporting Shami's statement, Southee said on ESPNcricinfo's Match Day, "That was a rule brought around Covid with the virus going around the world, but I think as a bowler, you want to have a slight advantage," 

"We see the game going the way it's going and seeing sides score 362 and more often than not over 300 in this format. I think there needs to be something in the bowlers' favour, and whether that's a little bit of saliva, then yeah, I don't see why they couldn't afford to get that back in."

At the same time, Philander said that in the second semi-final played against New Zealand, the South African bowlers could have benefited from applying saliva and using reverse swing, particularly in the later half of the innings. New Zealand amassed 362 for 6 in their 50 overs.

"If we look at the state of that ball, I mean towards the back end, it was really scuffed up, and I think had you used the saliva [to polish one side of the ball], the element of the reverse swing might have come into play," Philander said.

"So it certainly does play a part. You can get it to shine up and you use the elements to swing it a little longer."

Also Read: Most ICC Finals as captain

Use of saliva banned during COVID 19

The ban on the use of saliva on ball was first imposed in May 2020 as a temporary measure during the COVID-19 pandemic. Then, in September 2022, the ICC made the ban permanent.

Performing in ICC events is what every player dreams to do for his team. Each player wants to contribute to his team at the highest level of the game and ICC events are at that level. Be it a batsman or a bowler each & every player contributes to his team's victory at the ICC events. In this article, we will take a look into those five players who took the most wickets for India in ICC events so far.

#1. Mohammed Shami | 77 wickets

Mohammed Shami has been the most influential bowler for India in ICC events. The fast bowler played only 36 matches in ICC events including ICC Men's ODI and T20 World Cups and Champions Trophy and has taken 77 wickets so far. 

Shami has an incredible average of 16.53 runs per wicket in ICC events while his strike rate of 17.3 proves how lethal he has been for India when it matters the most. His five five-wicket hauls are also a record for India in ICC events. 

Not only that, his 55 wickets in the ODI World Cup is fifth fifth-highest in cricket history and the best among Indian bowlers. 

Also Read: ICC Events 2024-31: Full schedule and host countries

#2. Zaheer Khan | 71 wickets

Former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan is second in the list of the most wickets for India in the ICC events. The left-arm pacer took a total of 71 wickets in 44 matches. Moreover, he is also the 2nd highest wicket-taker as a pacer for India across formats, following Kapil Dev. He has 610 wickets across formats including 282 wickets in ODIs and 17 wickets in T20Is.

In ICC events, Zaheer has an average of 22.25 and a strike rate of 26.8, with 4 four-wicket hauls. His performance for India in the 2011 World Cup is one of the most underrated performances in World Cup history. 

Also Read: Winners list of last 10 ICC Tournaments

#3. Ravindra Jadeja | 69 wickets

Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has also contributed to his team in ICC events. Be it with batting, bowling or fielding Jadeja has always been in the game. The left-arm orthodox spinner has taken 69 wickets in 65 games for India at the ICC events. 

The left-arm spinner has been part of several ICC events for India. He has an incredible bowling average of 29.27 and a strike rate of 33.3. Jadeja also has two five-wicket hauls for India in ICC events. 

#4 Jasprit Bumrah | 68 wickets

Following Ravindra Jadeja on the list is one of the greatest pacers to play for India, Jasprit Bumrah. The once-in-a-generation bowler has been incredible for India in every format he has played for, 

Bumrah's sheer accuracy and ability to take wickets at any stage of the match has enabled captains to use him in crucial moments. His incredible wicket-taking skills also helped him win the Player of the Tournament award in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, where India was victorious. 

Till now in 43 matches in ICC Events, Bumrah has taken 68 wickets at an average of 19.50 runs per wicket with a strike-rate of 25.2 balls per wicket. Astonishingly, Bumrah is yet to take any five-wicket haul in ICC events. 

Also Read: Most ICC Trophy wins by any team

#5. Ravichandran Ashwin | 59 wickets

 Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is always known for his role in the longer format of the game. But, very few know what he has done for India in the limited-overs format, especially in ICC events.

He comes just after Jasprit Bumrah in this list of most wickets for India in ICC events. So far Ashwin has taken 59 wickets in 43 matches that he played for India in ICC events.

Before Ravindra Jadeja took over, Ravichandran Ashwin was India's most successful spinner for India in ICC events. The former off-spinner averages 23.00 with the ball and also has a great strike rate of 26.6 in ICC Events.

#6. Harbhajan Singh | 50 wickets

Another off-spinner has occupied his place in this list. Harbhajan Singh comes up after Ravichandran Ash in this list of most wickets for India in ICC events. Bhajji has taken a total of 50 wickets in 53 matches that he has played for India in the ICC events.

The former spinner has some brilliant records in his cricket career, especially in Tests and ODIs. Harbhajan has taken 711 wickets in his career including 411 tests, 269 ODIs, and 25 T20I wickets.

The spinner has done well for India in the ICC events by taking wickets in crucial times. Bhajji has bowled with an average of 33.36 in ODIs and 25.32 in T20Is.

N.B: The stats are accurate as of 4/3/2025 and updated by Koushik Biswas

India started their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a win over Bangladesh on Thursday in Dubai. Despite a ton from Towhid Hridoy, Mohammad Shami's five-wicket haul had restricted Bangladesh to 228 in the first inning. Shubman Gill then scored his 8th ODI ton to take India home with six wickets in hands and 21 balls remaining. Here are the highlights of the Bangladesh vs India match in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Shami gave India a perfect start

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and decided to put runs on the board. With three pacers in the team and two excellent spinners, they were confident to defend anything on that Dubai wicket, which everyone knew would get slower with time.

However, to put pressure on a team like India, the Tigers needed at least a respectable total on the board. A fiery opening spell from Mohammad Shami and Harshit Rana put them in a spot of bother. Shami nicked off Soumya Sarkar in the first over on a duck while captain Shanto was sent back by Rana in the next over on a duck as well. 

Mehidy Hasan Miraz (5) tried to build a partnership with Tanzid Hasan but Shami got the better of him in the seventh over.

Rohit messed up Axar's hat-trick

Post that wicket, Axar Patel was brought into the attack by Rohit Sharma and he nearly became the first Indian bowler to get a hat-trick in an ICC event for India. Patel first removed Tanzid Hasan on 25. KL Rahul took a sharp catch behind the stumps. In the next ball, Mushfiqur Rahim edged one to Rahul to bring Axar on a hat-trick. 

In the hat-trick ball, Axar did what he could have done, but Rohit Sharma missed an easy catch at the first slip to dismiss the historical moment. 

Record partnership from Hridoy and Ali

From being 35/5, Jaker Ali and Towhid Hridoy put up a massive 154-run partnership, which is the highest 6th-wicket partnership for Bangladesh in ODI cricket. But, the scenes would not have been the same if Hardik Pandya had not dropped Hridoy on 24 in the 20th over. 

Shami with a five-fer

Not only that two overs later, KL Rahul missed a stumping chance of Jaker Ali on 24. Finally, Mohammad Shami was able to break the partnership as Jaker Ali tried to change gears against Shami’s off-cutter on 68 off 114 balls. 

Rishad Hossain tried to score a few quick runs but Harshit Rana got the better of him with a short ball in the 46th over. Bangladesh would have gotten more runs if Towhid Hridoy had not cramped badly. The right-handed batter nearly had to drag himself out of the crease to complete his runs. He was on the ground in agonising pain multiple times. 

Shami meantime dismissed Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Taskin Ahmed to get his give-wicket haul. With that wicket, Shami also became the Indian bowler with the most wickets in ICC events. 

Fighting maiden ODI ton from Hridoy

Hridoy though kept himself going and completed his maiden ODI ton even under tremendous pain. He was finally caught in the short fine leg on 100 off Harshit Rana as Bangladesh finished on 228 in the first inning. 

Flying start to India's inning

In the break, Axar Patel stated that the wickets got slower as the ball got older. So, with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill at the top of the order, it was quite evident they would have gone for some quick runs against the pacers. 

They did that as India reached 69 runs in the first powerplay but lost Rohit Sharma on 41 off 36 in the second last ball of the powerplay. Rohit tried to clear in the circle, but could not connect the short ball from Taskin and was caught around the edge of the circle. Rohit went back to the dressing room but not before becoming the second fastest to score 11000 ODI runs. 

Bangladeshi spinners controlled the middle overs

Virat Kohli came at number three and soon Shanto brought his spinners Miraz and Rishad to stop the modern master. The plan fell into place as well and Kohli (22) was caught at backward point while trying a cut shot against Rishad. 

However, Shubman Gill looked apart as he scored his fourth consecutive ODI fifty. Shreyas Iyer came at number four and after a few good-looking strokes, was outfoxed by a slower one from Mustafizur Rahaman on 15 from 17 balls.

Classy and consistent as ever! ✨

1⃣6⃣th ODI FIFTY for Shubman Gill 👏👏

Follow the Match ▶️ https://t.co/ggnxmdG0VK#TeamIndia | #BANvIND | #ChampionsTrophy | @ShubmanGill pic.twitter.com/4nvl8Bw90H

— BCCI (@BCCI) February 20, 2025

With spinners bowling at random, India sent Axar Patel at number five as the run flow got stuck as well. It looked like India were waiting for the spell of spinners to finish. But, Patel could resist the wrong one from Risahd and top-edged to put the match somewhat level. 

Bangladesh could have made things worse for India if Jaker Ali would not have missed an easy catch at deep mid-wicket on 7 in the 37th over. 

KL Rahul dropped on 9 runs#ChampionsTrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/0lj0f8PXaJ

— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) February 20, 2025

With the net run rate being around 4 and 5, India decided to go slow and steady. Gill and Rahul started accumulating singles and doubles with a boundary here and there. They completed their 50-run partnership in 66 balls as Rishad Hossain finished his spell with 38/2 in 10 overs. 

As India got close to the target, Gill brought out his big shots and completed his consecutive ODI ton in 125 balls to take India home. Gill was patient and skilful enough to take the game deep and away from Bangladesh with his 8th ODI ton in just 51 games. 

Gill remained unbeaten on 101 from 129 balls while Rahul finished off in style with a six as he was undefeated on 41 from 47. India bagged their first win in the Champions Trophy and will face Pakistan in their next game on Sunday.

BAN vs IND: Match Summary

A solid start for Team India in the Champions Trophy!

Shubman Gill’s unbeaten 101* and KL Rahul’s steady 41* guided India to a five-wicket victory over Bangladesh. 🩵🇮🇳

A confident chase to kick off the campaign in style!

#INDvBAN #ShubmanGill #TeamIndia #KlRahul pic.twitter.com/8PqJorE0m8

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) February 20, 2025

Mohammad Shami broke the record for the fastest to take 200 ODI wickets in terms of balls bowled with his five-wicket haul during India vs Bangladesh match in Champions Trophy 2025. Shami went past Mitchell Starc's record to break the record. 

Not only that, the Indian pacer now has equalled the record to become second fastest bowler to take 200 ODI wickets in terms of matches. Along with that, Mohamad Shami now has the record for the second best bowling figure by an Indian bowler in Champions Trophy history. 

Fewest balls to 200 ODI wickets

5126 Mohammad Shami
5240 Mitchell Starc
5451 Saqlain Mushtaq
5640 Brett Lee
5783 Trent Boult
5883 Waqar Younis

Fewest ODIs to 200 wickets

102 Mitchell Starc
104 Mohammad Shami/ Saqlain Mushtaq
107 Trent Boult
112 Brett Lee
117 Allan Donald

Most wkt for India in World Cup & Champions Trophy

60 Mohammad Shami
59 Zaheer Khan
47 Javagal Srinath
43 Ravindra Jadeja

Best figures for India in Champions Trophy

5/36 Ravindra Jadeja vs WI The Oval 2013
5/53 Mohammad Shami vs Ban Dubai 2025 *
4/38 Sachin Tendulkar vs Aus Dhaka 1998
4/45 Zaheer Khan vs Zim Colombo RPS 2002

India bowled out Bangladesh for 228 in their first match of the Champions Trophy 2025. Shami were able to strike early with two wickets and at the end of the inning, he took three more wickets to earn his 6th five wicket haul in ODI cricket. 

Shami dismissed Soumya Sarkar, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Jaker Ali, Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Taskin Ahmed.