LAHORE: Shaheen Shah Afridi has achieved a major milestone in his career, becoming the fastest Pakistani fast bowler to claim 150 wickets in One-Day International (ODI) cricket.
Afridi reached the landmark during Pakistan’s second match against England in a tri-nation series at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, when he dismissed England opener Tom Banton in the first over.
Banton had scored four consecutive half-centuries in his previous four innings but fell to Afridi’s full-length delivery, offering a catch in the cover region.
Afridi completed his 150 ODI wickets in just 80 matches, surpassing the pace of former Pakistan fast bowlers Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar, who reached the same milestone in 91 matches each.
Among Pakistani bowlers, only former off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq reached 150 ODI wickets faster, achieving the feat in 78 matches.
On the international stage, Afridi became the joint fourth-fastest bowler to reach 150 ODI wickets. Nepal’s Sandeep Lamichhane holds the record, having achieved the milestone in 73 matches, while Australia’s Mitchell Starc reached it in 77 matches.
Afridi’s achievement adds another milestone to his international career and highlights his growing significance in Pakistan’s pace attack.
