Once again, cricket fans the world over should rejoice; PAKISTANI fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has made history by becoming the first bowler to claim 100 wickets in all formats of cricket. Afridi made his mark as an integral part of the Pakistani cricket team the moment he debuted and this particular achievement of his only goes on to prove his calibre and greatness as an athlete. Not only is this a personal success for him but it has become a hallmark for Pakistan cricket as an entity as well.
Aiming for the 100th strike
Shaheen Afridi has such a remarkable story and how he has achieved his 100th wicket in the International arena is commendable. Afridi first represented Pakistan in 2016 and from the very first match, it was clear that he was equipped with an atypical skill set that would make him one of the most successful cricketers on the global stage. His build, combined with his pace and ability to swing the bat both ways, make him a daunting challenge for any batsman.
He began with a 50 over format bb03676; making his one day international debut against Afghanistan in September 2018. Within no time he became Pakistan’s key strike bowler across formats and emerged as an important cog in the bowling unit of the team.
He rapidly made a name for himself on the international cricketing scene thanks to his extraordinary show during the 2019 Cricket World Cup as he received numerous accolades for his wonderful performances.
Afridi’s exploits were not limited only to the fifty over format as well. He made his T20I debut in 2018 and as a perfect example of a hard hitting and dynamic batsman soon turned out to be an integral part of the Pakistan bowling attack. His ability to bowl in the death overs and strike important wickets made him a key component of Pakistan’s T20 plan.
The other formats of cricket did not pose a challenge to Afridi, In fact he excelled them by more than being able to pick wickets with pace and bounce. This made him a key feature during Pakistan’s Test squad as one of their senior dependable bowlers. Since his performances were consistent across all formats of cricket he soon became one of the best cricketers in international cricket leading Pakistan cricket in every format.
The Milestone and Its Significance
The milestone was reached during a period where most of Afridi’s performances were commended, this being the combination of his impressive stats, consecutive performances among others. Following the milestones: scoring 100 in all formats, the cricket community bore witness to his exceptional all round ability displayed during matches without fail.
This performance certainly emphasized his effectiveness and consistency that placed him amongst the fastest bowlers preferred in world cricket.
The meaning of this achievement can surely never be underestimated, as it marks an unusual feat in the history of Pakistan cricket. Afridi has made history as the first bowler from Pakistan to make it to 100 wickets in all three formats of the game including all the other legendary fast bowlers who have played for the country for such as Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Shoaib Akhter. Although these players had amazing careers, Afridi’s success makes him one of the best bowlers of modern time.
Moreover, Afridi’s accomplishments have come at a time when Pakistan cricket was undergoing fundamental changes including reconstruction and revitalization of the entire team. Afridi’s milestones and contributions have been crucial in spearheading the bowling order and acting as a mentor to the next generation of bowlers. He has become the face of the renaissance of pace bowling in Pakistan, a role he takes on with great humility and passion.
The Impact of Afridi on Pakistan Cricket
Shaheen Afridi’s journey to success has greatly impacted the Pakistan cricket scene. With his blistering pace, swing as well as his ever reliable wicket taking abilities, he has firmly cemented himself into every team’s combination across all formats.
The unique sports career bucketed as the domain of ‘fast bowling’ would unlikely be completed without reference to Afridi’s name. A sharp turn of pace coupled with the palpable ‘anger’ within aims to foster ‘fear’ within the emotions of those which are threatened. Afridi touches upon most of the crucial components of the role of a fast bowler, one wonders whether this was all due to ‘spoon feeding’.
Cricket was never going to be easy, especially since Afridi has had a rather turbulent start. Practiced for hours on end under grueling conditions, for a long time, as if they gnawed away silently within the soul that one day the potential would be harnessed for what was to be deemed ‘the big stage’ and yes so it was.
Right from the inception of his career, one did not have to reach out for hope as Afridi was deemed ‘openers worst nightmare’, what could he not do? A downpour of deliveries right from the beginning as if the devils unleashed their demons. New ball, new opportunity, and new aggression all blended together, throughout the middle overs and finally at the death overs, the devils had been tamed and the punishment was to be delivered; it was only a matter of time.
Heilles spammers deem the speedster frail, a man that cannot be relied upon under pressure Koreans, numerous lines tattooed across the body on the wrists and pretty much sunburnt under his eyes, when duty calls or even otherwise Afridi never backs down, what better story deserves to be shared by a cricketer other than the one that has battled and triumphed through lies.
Graze through whatever book or memoir which carries the star bowler’s childhood story outline, it would fully encapsulate the critical components of fortitude, investment and ‘hard work’. Cricketers owe their life and career to commitment and discipline – which the seasoned bowler was apparently in grants of, he was the role model the next generation of youngsters desperately needed.
The motivational quotes aren’t just riddles coming out of an ardently religious man, for Shaheen Afridi his younger brother has accomplished something massive at a fledging age; being appointed the one who has 100 wickets at one of walks of life; influencer, media personality, cricketer and a battle strategist all wrapped in one. Cricketers never leave the preminaly. What bound to be an exciting career eagerly awaits.
With his age and exceptional ability, Afridi has it in him to reach greater heights in international cricket than he has so far. If he continues on his path, he can turn out to be among the best fast bowlers in the world.
In the near future, he will play a vital role in competitions such as the ICC T20 World Cup and the ICC Cricket World Cup with the intention to establish Pakistan among the world’s top teams. He is going to head Pakistan’s bowling lineup while also playing an integral role in critical match situations, being one of the prime wicket takers for his side helping it in enhancing its standing in world cricket.
As Afridi’s life as a bowler progresses he will not only serve as an inspiration to young cricketers but to generations who will succeed him in extending the lineage identifying Pakistan with fast bowlers.
Overall Conclusion
Shaheen Afridi joining the 100 wickets club in all formats is a landmark achievement for a young and skilled man like him and should be a stepping stone for even greater feats. His consistency and stellar performance across all formats has warranted him a spot among the top fast bowlers on the international stage. The fact that he is the first Pakistani cricketer to reach this landmark places an entirely new chapter in the history of cricket in Pakistan.
His devotion towards the sport of cricket and his exceptional talent is something that makes him ideal in making a difference and the cricketing world can expect him to take the game to new heights as a fast bowler.
If you are interested for more: Shaheen Afridi is the inaugural Pakistani bowler to achieve 100 wickets across all formats. George Linde fails to board the team bus, subsequently scores 48 runs off 24 balls, and takes three wickets in a single over to eliminate Pakistan.