Shaheen Afridi - The Young Speedster Shatters Records with 100 ODI Wickets

October 31, 2023

Cricket, ICC World Cup 2023

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Shaheen Afridi – The Young Speedster Shatters Records with 100 ODI Wickets

Pakistan’s young pace sensation, Shaheen Afridi, etched his name into the cricketing history by becoming the fastest pacer to reach 100 ODI wickets. The 23-year-old achieved this milestone during Pakistan’s ICC Cricket World Cup clash against Bangladesh at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, India.

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Shaheen Afridi’s record-breaking achievement was the highlight of a thrilling World Cup encounter where he bowled with precision and pace, earning figures of 3/23 in 9 overs. This remarkable performance further solidified his reputation as one of the world’s most promising fast bowlers.

Afridi’s wickets in the match included the prized scalps of Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossein Shanto, and the experienced campaigner Mahmadullah. The young paceman’s ability to dismiss top-order batsmen and middle-order stalwarts speaks volumes about his versatility and impact on the game.

What sets Shaheen Afridi apart is the lightning pace and impeccable line and length he consistently delivers. He reached the 100-wicket milestone in just 51 ODI matches, making him the fastest pacer in the history of the format to achieve this remarkable feat. In his 51 ODIs, Afridi has accumulated an impressive tally of 102 wickets at an astonishing average of 22.78, with the best bowling figures of 6/35.

While he is the fastest pacer to reach 100 wickets, it’s worth noting that Shaheen Afridi ranks third overall in ODIs, behind Nepal’s spin wizard Sandeep Lamichhane (42 matches) and Afghanistan’s leg-spin sensation Rashid Khan (44 matches).

Shaheen Afridi’s stellar performance in the ICC Cricket World Cup has been a key driving force behind Pakistan’s campaign. In seven matches, he has captured an impressive 16 wickets at an average of 19.75, with the best bowling figures of 5/54. This outstanding record places him as the joint-highest wicket-taker in the World Cup, alongside Australia’s Adam Zampa.

Afridi’s consistent ability to strike early, break partnerships, and apply pressure on the opposition has made him an invaluable asset to the Pakistan cricket team. His ability to perform under the high-pressure situations of a World Cup tournament is a testament to his temperament and the confidence he exudes.

With his remarkable achievements at such a young age, Shaheen Afridi stands as a symbol of hope and promise for Pakistan’s cricketing future. In an era where cricket is evolving at an unprecedented pace, Shaheen Afridi’s rise as the fastest pacer to 100 ODI wickets is a testament to the bright future of fast bowling in Pakistan and a record that will be cherished by cricket enthusiasts for years to come.