Shaheen Shah Afridi Reaches Milestone with 100 Test Wickets

Pakistani pace sensation Shaheen Shah Afridi has achieved a significant milestone in his Test career by taking his 100th Test wicket. 

Afridi reached this feat during Pakistan's match against Sri Lanka when he dismissed Nishan Madushka in the second over of the first Test at Galle.

After an absence of nearly a year from Test cricket due to a knee injury suffered during the same series in Galle, Afridi made a triumphant comeback to the format. His return marked the beginning of the action-packed 2023-24 international cricket season for Pakistan.

Reflecting on his return, Afridi expressed his excitement, stating, "I am very excited to be making my Test comeback in the country where I was injured." The nature of his injury required a gradual and systematic return to the game, resulting in him missing several matches, including the home series against England and New Zealand.

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Before being named in the Test side for the ongoing matches, Afridi ensured he regained his rhythm and workload levels by representing Nottinghamshire in domestic cricket. He credited this preparation for his success in reaching the milestone of 100 Test wickets.

Recalling the first Test against Galle 12 months ago, Afridi shared his ambition to reach the milestone, saying,

 "I was planning to utilize the new ball to reach that milestone, but I got injured before we got the new ball."

Afridi's journey to 100 Test wickets has been remarkable, with his impressive bowling average of 24.86 in 25 matches. He has also recorded four five-wicket hauls and one 10-wicket haul in a match. Furthermore, during his rehabilitation, Afridi worked on strengthening his batting skills and showcased his capabilities with the bat in matches like the PSL 8 final, where his quickfire 44 not out set up Lahore Qalandars' victory.

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While Afridi acknowledges that he is primarily a bowler, he is eager to make an impact with the bat whenever given the opportunity to do so for his country. His recent exploits with the bat, including blazing innings against New Zealand in Karachi, have highlighted his potential as an all-around contributor to the team's success.

As Afridi continues to play a vital role in Pakistan's Test campaign, his achievement of 100 Test wickets stands as a testament to his talent, determination, and resilience. Cricket fans eagerly await Afridi's future performances, both with the ball and the bat, as he continues to make his mark on the international stage.

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