Top 5 memorable performances by Shahid Afridi

Shahid Afridi

Sahibzada Mohammad Shahid Khan Afridi is an enigma of massive proportions. A flamboyant, maverick cricketer who burst on to the scene as a raw 16-year-old in 1996, the tall Pathan has been the darling of Pakistan fans for over a decade now.

He’s fought hard to cement his place in the team, despite all the controversies that have dogged him through much of his playing career. But at 33, Afridi remains the biggest draw for Pakistan cricket fans all around the world.

Afridi has achieved phenomenal success with both bat and ball – he started out as a leg-spinner, replacing the injured Mushtaq Ahmed. Some of the best moments in his career are listed below:

1. 102 runs off 40 balls and 1/43 in 10 overs (Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Nairobi, October 1996)

This was the innings that catapulted the young man to instant stardom. Coming in at the fall of Saleem Elahi’s wicket with the total on 60, Afridi proceeded to play a blistering knock as he hammered the Sri Lankan bowlers all over the park.

He was particularly severe on all-rounder Sanath Jayasuriya, who watched helplessly as the teenage sensation took him to the cleaners, clobbering 28 runs in one of his overs. Such was his onslaught that between themselves, Jayasuriya and spin great Muttiah Muralitharan conceded 167 runs while sharing five wickets; the former’s 3/94 remained one of the most expensive figures in ODI history.

In all, Afridi belted six fours and a then-record eleven sixes as Pakistan posted a mammoth 371/9, with Afridi reaching his hundred in just 37 balls – a record that still stands. It was the youngster’s first ever ODI innings although he made his debut in the game against Kenya, where he didn’t bat and went wicketless.

He rounded off a spectacular batting performance with the wicket of SL skipper Arjuna Ranatunga for 52. A magnificent performance from the young Pathan!