Mohammad Shami vs Zaheer Khan - comparing their stats after 64 Tests

Veteran pacer Mohammad Shami did not find a place in the Indian team for the two-match home Test series against South Africa, which begins on November 14. Jasprit Bumrah will lead the pace attack in the 15-member squad, which also includes Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep as the other frontline pacers.

Shami last represented India in the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in March this year. Before that, he was part of the Men in Blue squad for the T20Is against England at home. However, he hasn't played a Test match for India since the 2023 WTC final against Australia at The Oval.

The 35-year-old failed to earn a recall despite claiming 15 wickets in Bengal's first two matches of the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy. Shami has featured in 64 Tests so far. As he continues his endeavor for a comeback, we compare his stats with those of former left-arm pacer Zaheer Khan after the latter had also played 64 Tests.

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Mohammad Shami vs Zaheer Khan - Who has more wickets and a better average after 64 Tests?

Having played 64 Tests, Shami has picked up 229 scalps at an average of 27.71. Of his Test wickets, 48 have come in 11 matches against South Africa, averaging 20.93. He has also claimed 44 wickets in 12 Tests against Australia at an average of 32.09 and 44 scalps in 15 Tests against England, averaging 38.29.

After 64 Tests, Zaheer had 203 wickets to his name at an average of 34.40. Of his wickets, 37 came in nine matches against England at an average of 27.48. He had also claimed 34 wickets in 13 matches against Australia at an average of 42.11 and 21 scalps in six Tests against New Zealand at an average of 29.90.

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Mohammad Shami vs Zaheer Khan - Who has more five-fers after 64 Tests?

In 64 Tests, Shami has picked up six five-wicket hauls. His best of 6-56 came against Australia in Perth in December 2018. Of his six five-wicket hauls, three have come against South Africa. The right-arm pacer picked up 5-28 in Johannesburg in January 2018 and 5-44 in Centurion in December 2021. Shami also claimed a five-fer on his debut against West Indies in November 2013.

Player	Wickets	Average	BBI	5w	10w
Mohammad Shami	229	27.71	6-56	6	0
Zaheer Khan	203	34.40	5-29	6	0

(Shami vs Zaheer - Bowling stats comparison after 64 Tests)

After 64 Tests, Zaheer also had six five-wicket hauls to his name. His best at that stage was 5-29, which came against New Zealand in Hamilton in December 2002. The left-arm pacer had also claimed 5-53 in the same series in Wellington. Zaheer also had two five-fers against Australia - 5-95 in Brisbane in December 2003 and 5-91 in Bengaluru in October 2008.

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Mohammad Shami vs Zaheer Khan - Who has a better record in wins after 64 Tests?

Shami has so far featured in 31 Tests that India have won. In winning causes, he has claimed 118 wickets at an average of 20.34, with the aid of four five-fers. Of the right-arm pacer's six Test five-fers, one has been registered in a losing cause, while one has come in a drawn encounter.

Player	Matches	Wickets	Average	BBI	5w	10w
Mohammad Shami	31	118	20.34	5-28	4	0
Zaheer Khan	27	98	26.06	5-34	2	0

(Shami vs Zaheer - Bowling stats comparison in wins after 64 Tests)

After 64 Tests, Zaheer had been part of 27 matches that India had won. In winning causes, he had claimed 98 wickets at an average of 26.06, with the aid of two five-wicket hauls. Of his six Test five-fers at that stage, two came in defeats and two in matches that ended in a draw.

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Mohammad Shami vs Zaheer Khan - Who has a better record in SENA nations after 64 Tests?

Shami has been part of 34 Tests in SENA nations, claiming 123 wickets at an average of 32.88, with four five-fers. He has claimed 31 wickets in eight matches in Australia with two five-fers and 35 wickets in eight games in South Africa, also with two five-wicket hauls. The veteran pacer has 42 wickets in 14 Tests in England and 15 wickets in four Tests in New Zealand.

Player	Matches	Wickets	Average	BBI	5w	10w
Mohammad Shami	34	123	32.88	6-56	4	0
Zaheer Khan	18	69	31.59	5-29	4	0

(Shami vs Zaheer - Bowling stats comparison in SENA nations after 64 Tests)

Of his first 64 Tests, Zaheer played 18 in SENA nations, claiming 69 wickets at an average of 31.59, with four five-fers. The former India pacer claimed 29 wickets in seven Tests in England, with one five-fer and 17 wickets in four Tests in New Zealand, with two five-fers. Further, he had 10 scalps in three Tests in Australia, with one five-fer, and 13 wickets in four Tests in South Africa.