UAE's Muhammad Waseem Becomes First Cricketer Ever To Smack 101 Sixes In A Calendar Year

In a year that witnessed some phenomenal cricketing performances, Muhammad Waseem, a 29-year-old UAE batsman, carved his name in the record books by smashing an astonishing 101 sixes in the calendar year of 2023. This remarkable feat not only established him as a powerhouse in T20 cricket but also set a new benchmark for aggressive batting.

Waseem’s achievement is particularly noteworthy as it marked the first time a batsman had reached the elusive milestone of 100 sixes in a single calendar year.

His breathtaking display of power-hitting not only enthralled fans but also surpassed the previous record held by Indian captain Rohit Sharma. In a year where Sharma himself played some exceptional cricket, scoring 80 sixes, Waseem’s tally of 101 spoke volumes about his dominance in the art of clearing the boundaries.

Rohit Sharma, known for his prowess in limited-overs cricket, had held the record for the most sixes in a calendar year in 2017, 2018, and 2019 with 65, 74, and 78 sixes respectively. However, Waseem’s feat in 2023 left Sharma trailing in his wake. The Indian captain’s contribution to the game is undeniable, but Waseem’s ability to surpass such a formidable record showcased his exceptional talent and commitment to the sport.

Muhammad Waseem’s success on the cricket field is not solely attributed to his raw power. As a 29-year-old opener, he combines an impressive technique with the physical strength required to effortlessly send the ball soaring out of the park. His approach to batting has not only entertained fans but has also contributed significantly to the success of the teams he represents.

The historic 101st six was smashed by Waseem in a gripping encounter against Afghanistan in the second match of a three-match T20I series hosted by the UAE. The hosts secured a thrilling victory by 11 runs, setting the stage for a nail-biting decider in the third T20I, with the series evenly poised at 1-1.

Exposure To Franchise League Cricket, Certainly Helped Muhammad Waseem Achieve This Feat

Beyond his international exploits, Muhammad Waseem has showcased his talent in various T20 leagues, representing franchises such as Multan Sultans, MI Emirates, New York Strikers, Montreal Tigers, and Northern Warriors. His extensive experience in different cricketing environments has undoubtedly contributed to his growth as a formidable force in the world of T20 cricket.

As the cricketing world eagerly anticipates the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup in 2024, hosted in the USA and West Indies, Muhammad Waseem’s presence promises to add fireworks to the tournament. His remarkable ability to clear the boundaries at will makes him a player to watch, and his record-breaking year in 2023 only adds to the excitement surrounding his future performances on the international stage.

Players like him are prime examples that Cricket is growing bit by bit and with a 20-team T20 World Cup in place, many more players like Muhammad Waseem are expected to come under the spotlight.