Shaheen Afridi creates history by completing 100 wickets in WTC

The first match of the two-Test series between Pakistan and Bangladesh turned out to be a memorable occasion for Shaheen Shah Afridi. The left-arm pacer took 100 wickets in the World Test Championship by dismissing opener Mahmudullah Hasan Joy in the first innings of Bangladesh, becoming the first Pakistani cricketer to do so. He took two more wickets in the same innings to take his WTC wicket tally to 102.

What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that Shaheen reached this milestone in just 28 WTC matches. It is unusual for any bowler to take 100 wickets in such a short span of time and it shows the destructive power of his bowling. The closest Pakistani bowler to him is Noman Ali, who has taken 89 wickets in 20 matches, but he is still some way off the 100 mark.

On a global level, the list of most wickets in the WTC is dominated by Australian fast bowlers. Nathan Lyon is at the top with 224 wickets in 55 matches, Pat Cummins is second with 222 wickets in 54 matches and Mitchell Starc is third with 221 wickets in 52 matches. Shaheen’s 100 wickets are still far behind him but given his age and form, he could move up the list in the coming years.

Shaheen Shah Afridi is an invaluable asset for Pakistan cricket. Whenever the team needs a wicket in difficult conditions, the captain’s eyes first go to him. Crossing this milestone in the WTC is not only his personal achievement but also a proud moment for Pakistan cricket.