Shaheen Afridi achieves major milestone on Test return

Shaheen Shah Afridi has become the 19th bowler and 11th pacer from Pakistan to take 100 wickets in Test cricket.

He achieved the feat in his second over of the first Test match against Sri Lanka in Galle, dismissing opener Nishan Madushka.

At the age of just 23, his 100 wickets have come in just 26 matches at an average of less than 25. His impressive record also includes four five-wicket hauls and one 10-for in Test cricket.

Comparatively, legendary bowlers like Imran Khan and Wasim Akram took 26 and 30 Test matches respectively to reach the same landmark. This illustrates the remarkable talent and potential that Afridi possesses.

Meanwhile, Yasir Shah is the fastest Pakistani to reach 100 Test wickets in just 17 Tests.

Ahead of the first Test against Sri Lanka, Shaheen shared his excitement regarding achieving the milestone.

 “There is a lot of excitement [for that 100th wicket],” Shaheen said.

Recalling the first Test in Galle 12 months prior, Afridi mentioned his plan to utilize the new ball to reach this milestone. However, an injury forced him to wait longer.

“I was only one wicket away and the new ball was about to be available. I was planning to utilise the new ball to reach that milestone, but I got injured before we got the new ball. So, I have had to wait a lot. It is very tough to be away from cricket, but time has helped me learn a lot, which will help me perform well for Pakistan across formats,” he added.

Shaheen is one of the most exciting young bowlers in the world and is sure to add many more wickets to his tally in the years to come.