KOLKATA: Pakistan’s ace pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi on Tuesday, added another feather to his cap as he became the fastest pacer to take 100 wickets in ODI cricket during his side’s ICC World Cup 2023 clash against Bangladesh.
Shaheen achieved the milestone in 51 innings and overtook previous record-holder Mitchell Starc, who conceded 52 innings.
The left-arm pacer had 99 wickets before taking the field against Bangladesh and he did not have to wait much to reach the landmark as he dismissed Tanzid Hasan for a five-ball duck in the first over.
Shaheen Afridi then picked up two more wickets including the prized scalp of Mahmudullah to return magnificent figures of 3/23 in his nine overs.
He reminded cricket fans of legendary pacer Wasim Akram when he disturbed Bangladesh’s Mahmudullah’s woodwork.
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In the 30th over of the Bangladesh innings, the left-arm pacer pitched the ball on good length and between the middle and off stump. The delivery went through Mahmudullah’s defences and hit the middle stump.
The dismissal was similar to that of former England batter Alan Knott by Wasim Akram in the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 1992.
The International Cricket Council shared a video of the moment on Instagram.
Notably, Shaheen also became the fastest Pakistan bowler to complete 100 ODI wickets, overtaking legendary spinner Saqlain Mushtaq, who took 53 innings.
Coming back to the match, Pakistan pacers ran through the Bangladesh batting lineup to book them on a paltry 204.
Mahmudullah top-scored for Bangladesh with a 70-ball 56, hitting six boundaries and a six. Litton Das (45) and skipper Shakib Al Hasan (43) also made significant contributions but failed to power their side to a big total.
Fastest pacers 100 ODI wickets (matches)
51 – Shaheen Shah Afridi
52 – Mitchell Starc
54 – Shane Bond
54 – Mustafizur Rahman
55 – Brett Lee