Mohammed Shami made an immediate impact in IPL 2026, striking in the very first over against Sunrisers Hyderabad by dismissing opener Abhishek Sharma. The delivery was perfectly executed, deceiving the left-hander with subtle pace changes, and the resulting edge was brilliantly caught by Manimaran Siddharth, who dived to his left to complete a stunning low catch.
Sunrisers Hyderabad, who began their campaign with a mixed record of one win in two games, relied on Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head to provide a solid start. Both batters had showcased their destructive potential in 2024, but against the disciplined LSG pace attack, their timing was tested early. Shami, representing his new franchise, demonstrated composure and skill, setting the tone for the innings.
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In a defining moment, Mohammed Shami cleverly used a slower delivery on the last ball of the over, tempting Sharma to swing hard. With the slip cordon absent, Siddharth’s athleticism ensured the catch was secured, giving LSG an early advantage.
What a superb catch by M Sidharth 😯👌. Overrated Abhishek Sharma is gone on duck.
pic.twitter.com/adkwdXaSHW— Abhijeet (@King__Ro45) April 5, 2026
This wicket not only halted SRH’s momentum but also highlighted Shami’s tactical acumen against top-order batters. Mohammed Shami enters the IPL 2026 season on the back of a strong domestic campaign, where he excelled across all three formats, carrying forward his form into the franchise tournament.
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Known for his precision and ability to strike early, the Bengal pacer continues to justify his reputation as one of the most reliable fast bowlers in Indian cricket. LSG will look to leverage its early breakthroughs as they aim to control matches from the outset, while SRH must rebuild to stabilise its innings in upcoming games.
This early dismissal reiterates Mohammed Shami’s importance to Lucknow’s bowling attack and his knack for making crucial breakthroughs in high-pressure scenarios.
