Pak vs SL: Shaheen Shah Afridi bags 100th Test wicket | Bat N Ball

Pak vs SL: Shaheen Shah Afridi bags 100th Test wicket | Bat N Ball

Pakistani speed maestro Shaheen Shah Afridi has achieved a remarkable milestone by capturing a total of 100 wickets in Test cricket, joining the elite group of 19 Green Shirts players who have accomplished this feat.

Shaheen Shah Afridi reached this milestone during Pakistan's thrilling encounter against Sri Lanka, where he dismissed Nishan Madushka in the second over of the first Test match at Galle. This match marked his official comeback to the Test arena, as he spearheaded the Pakistani bowling attack on the opening day of the highly anticipated ICC World Test Championship 2023-25. 

After a gap of nearly a year, Shaheen returned to the Test format, donning the whites for his country. This comeback followed a knee injury he sustained during the first of the two Tests played at Galle last year.

Expressing his excitement, the talented seamer shared, "I am thrilled to make my Test comeback in the very country where I suffered the injury." He conveyed this sentiment during an interview with PCB Digital in Hambantota, just before his participation in a two-day warm-up fixture against the hosts at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium.

Due to the nature of his injury, Shaheen had to ensure a gradual and systematic return to the sport. Since his unfortunate landing at the boundary while attempting to stop the ball during the fourth morning of the first Test at Galle, he had not played any first-class matches.

Following his recovery, Shaheen made his international return during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup held in Australia last October. The final game saw him twist his knee, which resulted in his missing the home series against England (Tests) and New Zealand (Tests and ODIs). This was his second setback.

Shaheen triumphantly returned to the field earlier this year for the Lahore Qalandars, helping them win the Pakistan Super League championship.

 He also featured prominently in the thrilling 10-match limited-overs series against New Zealand in April.

Before being selected for these two Tests, which mark Pakistan's entry into the third cycle of the ICC World Test Championship, Shaheen demonstrated his dedication by playing for Nottinghamshire, ensuring he maintained the desired workload levels and stayed in rhythm.

While reflecting on his achievement of reaching the 100th wicket milestone, the seamer expressed his excitement, acknowledging the long wait it entailed. Recalling the first Test against Galle from 12 months ago, Shaheen shared, "I was just one wicket away, and the new ball was about to be available." However, an unfortunate injury prevented him from reaching this milestone at that time.

Shaheen has taken a remarkable 99 wickets in just 25 games, with an outstanding average of 24.86.He has previously amassed four five-wicket hauls and one 10-wicket haul before to this series.

 Furthermore, the talented seamer has diversified his game by working on his batting skills during his rehabilitation period.

His remarkable unbeaten knock of 44 runs off a mere 15 balls played a crucial role in Lahore Qalandars' thrilling victory over Multan Sultans in the PSL 8 final. Shaheen's powerful hitting was also on display in the international arena when he smashed New Zealand's Blair Tickner for 22 runs, including three sixes and a four, in the last over of the fourth One-Day International in Karachi, propelling Pakistan to a total of 334.

Shaheen underlined, "I am primarily a bowler, but whenever I get the opportunity to contribute with the bat for my country, I am ready to make an impact." while maintaining a humble attitude.

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