Shaheen Afridi Becomes Fastest Pakistani Pacer to Reach 150 ODI Wickets

Shaheen Afridi Becomes Fastest Pakistani Pacer to Reach 150 ODI Wickets: Pakistan cricket team’s ODI captain, Shaheen Shah Afridi, has achieved a historic milestone during the second match of a tri-series against England. In the encounter held at Gaddafi Stadium, Shaheen reached the landmark of 150 wickets in ODI cricket. With this stellar performance, he has become the fastest Pakistani fast bowler to claim 150 wickets in this format, surpassing two of the country’s greatest legends Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar.

Surpasses Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar

The 26-year-old fast bowler, Shaheen Afridi, reached this significant milestone in his 80th ODI appearance. Previously, the record was held by legendary Pakistani fast bowlers Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar, both of whom took 91 matches to reach the 150-wicket mark. By eclipsing the records of these two icons, Shaheen has set a new benchmark for Pakistani fast bowlers.

Historic Milestone Achieved by Dismissing Tom Banton

Heading into the match against England, Shaheen Afridi needed just one more wicket to reach the 150-wicket milestone. He achieved this feat in the very first over of the innings by dismissing England’s dangerous opening batter, Tom Banton who entered the match on the back of four consecutive half-centuries. Banton attempted a shot towards the cover region off a brilliant full-length delivery from Shaheen, only for Arafat to take an easy catch and bring his innings to an end.

Following this, Shaheen showcased his bowling brilliance by dismissing the experienced batter Joe Root, who was caught at backward point.

Fourth Fastest Bowler to Take 150 ODI Wickets Globally

Shaheen Afridi has moved into a joint-fourth position on the list of bowlers who have reached 150 ODI wickets the fastest in the history of the format. Topping this global list is Nepal’s spinner Sandeep Lamichhane, who achieved the milestone in just 73 matches.

• Sandeep Lamichhane (Nepal): 73 matches
• Mitchell Starc (Australia): 77 matches
• Saqlain Mushtaq (Pakistan): 78 matches
• Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan): 80 matches
• Mohammed Shami (India): 80 matches
• Rashid Khan (Afghanistan): 80 matches

By reaching this figure in 80 matches, Shaheen Afridi has drawn level with experienced Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami and star Afghan spinner Rashid Khan.

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