Shaheen Shah Afridi has done it again! The 24-year-old pace sensation from Pakistan etched his name in cricket history during the first T20I against South Africa. With figures of 3-22, Shaheen became the third Pakistani bowler to claim 100 T20I wickets.
But that’s not all—he’s also the first Pakistani and youngest player in the world to bag 100 wickets in all three formats of cricket.
Read More: PSL 10 Player Draft To Take Place On January 11
Joining Legends, Leading the Pack
Shaheen now stands tall among the likes of Lasith Malinga, Tim Southee, and Shakib Al Hasan. These are the only players to achieve this rare feat before him. Malinga was the trailblazer back in 2019, with Southee and Shakib following in 2021.
The difference? Shaheen accomplished it at just 24 years old. That’s a whopping eight years younger than Southee, who held the record previously. Youth and talent—what a deadly combination!
A Lone Warrior in a Tough Loss
Despite Shaheen’s heroics, Pakistan fell short in the match. Chasing 184, the team lost by just 11 runs. It’s a bitter pill to swallow, but Shaheen’s milestone gives fans a reason to cheer.
He wasn’t just good with the ball; he was extraordinary. Three wickets, razor-sharp precision, and the heart of a lion. While the batters struggled, Shaheen proved why he’s the backbone of Pakistan’s bowling attack.
The series is far from over. The teams will head to Centurion for the second T20I on December 13, with the finale in Johannesburg on December 14.
Read More: Ahmed Shehzad Questions Pakistan’s Intent After South Africa Defeat
After the T20Is, the action shifts to ODIs, starting December 17 in Paarl. The second and third games will take place in Cape Town and Johannesburg on December 19 and 22, respectively.
But wait, there’s more! A two-match Test series will follow, beginning December 26 in Centurion. The final Test is set for January 3 in Cape Town.
Here’s the kicker: Shaheen Afridi won’t be playing the Test series. The selectors have decided to rest him to manage his workload ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. It’s a smart move.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.