Shahid Afridi
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Sahibzaha Mohammad Shahid Khan Afridi (born March 1, 1980) popularly known as Shahid Afridi is a Pakistani cricketer who has represented Pakistan since 1996 in international cricket. He made his ODI debut on October 2, 1996 against Kenya at Nairobi and his Test debut on October 22, 1998 against Australia at Karachi. He has scored over 4,500 ODI runs at a strike rate of more than 107 runs per 100 balls, and has taken over 160 ODI wickets. He was brought on the team as a legspinner at the age of sixteen. He then gained fame as a slugger and began opening with Saeed Anwar. He holds the record for scoring the fastest century (which he scored in 37 balls) in One Day Internationals. He also shares the record for the second fastest century (on 45 balls) in One Day Internationals with Brian Lara. He is known as one of Pakistan's greatest all rounders. He is one of the biggest hitters of the ball, and has a higher strike rate than any batsman in the world.
A propensity for the unexpected, and a reputation for lacking patience while batting has meant that he has never been able to command a regular place in the Pakistan side. However, in the two games between Pakistan and India, contested in 2005, that he participated in, Afridi made a massive impact, recording the fastest test half-century, and dismissing Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar three times, in helping Pakistan register an unlikely draw with an under-manned side.
External link
- Cricinfo page on Shahid Afridi (http://www.cricinfo.com/db/PLAYERS/PAK/S/SHAHID_AFRIDI_07004169/)