PAK vs NZ: Shaheen Afridi Hits 200 Wicket Milestone In T20 Cricket
Published - 25 Apr 2023, 04:10 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:15 AM
Shaheen Afridi reached a special milestone, as he reached 200 T20 career wickets in Pakistan‘s most recent match against New Zealand.
The Black Caps are touring Pakistan for a 5 T20 and 5 ODI tour. In the 5th T20I, Afridi scalped Tom Latham’s wicket, completing his 200 wickets in the format. He also added his 201st, when he took Will Young’s wicket.
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At 23 years and 18 days, Shaheen Afridi became the youngest fast bowler to reach this impressive milestone. This record was previously held by Kagiso Rabada. He is also the quickest pacer to reach the landmark, in 143 matches.
Also read: PAK vs NZ: PCB Is Creating Rift Between Pakistan Players, Claims Ramiz Raja
Both of these records for any type of bowler stand with Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan, who only took 134 matches to reach the milestone. Afridi is third on the list, after Saeed Ajmal, who took 139 matches.
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Despite reaching an important milestone, Shaheen Afridi, and Pakistan’s bowling attack were unable to defend the 194 runs target, thanks to Mark Chapman’s 104. New Zealand’s win also meant that the five-match T20I series ended 2-2.
Aaqib Javed wants Shaheen Afridi to captain Pakistan in T20Is
Former Pakistan cricketer Aaqib Javed wants Shaheen Afridi to captain Pakistan in the T20 internationals.
The ace-pacer does have experience with the captaincy. Most notably, he led Lahore Qalandars to the PSL 2023 title.
The debate about Pakistan’s captaincy has heated up in the last few months. While many fans and critics are satisfied with current skipper Babar Azam, some are calling for a change in team leadership.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) did confirm that Azam would remain the captain of all three formats till the ICC Cricket World Cup later this year. But after the recent level series with New Zealand, some are calling for his head.
Director of Cricket for Lahore Qalandars, Aaqib Javed, opined before the series started that Shaheen Afridi might be the perfect choice to captain the national side.
“Shaheen Afridi did what none of the captains in PSL did so far. He won back-to-back PSL titles. The way he carries the team and his style of working. In regard to Pakistan cricket, the way they play, and curating dead pitches – we can see perhaps a defensive mindset, he said.
Also read: PAK vs NZ: Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan Lauds National Team Captain Babar Azam
Shaheen Afridi and Pakistan National Cricket Team will look to bounce back by winning the upcoming ODI series at home against New Zealand.
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