Pakistan’s star fast bowler Shaheen Afridi made history by breaking a world record in the first ODI against the West Indies at Brian Lara Stadium.
The Men in Green chased down the 281-run target with five wickets to spare, securing a confident start to the series.
Hasan Nawaz Shines on Debut
The match saw an impressive debut performance from Hasan Nawaz, who played a match-winning knock of 63 not out. His calm and calculated innings earned him the Player of the Match award.
Captain Mohammad Rizwan contributed a steady 53 runs, while Babar Azam scored 47 runs before being dismissed. Hussain Talat scored 41 runs, while Agha Salman contributed 23, helping Pakistan cross the finish line for a well-earned win.
Shaheen Afridi Breaks Rashid Khan’s Record
The highlight of the match was Shaheen Afridi’s bowling brilliance. The left-arm pacer claimed four wickets, taking his career tally to 131 wickets in just 65 ODIs – the fastest in history to reach this milestone.
Previously, this record belonged to Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan, who had taken 128 wickets in the same number of matches. Afridi’s achievement showcases his consistency and dominance in world cricket.
Match Summary
- Venue: Brian Lara Stadium, Trinidad
- Result: Pakistan won by 5 wickets
- West Indies Score: 280 runs (Target: 281)
- Pakistan Score: 281/5
- Top Performer (Batting): Hasan Nawaz – 63* (Debut)
- Top Performer (Bowling): Shaheen Afridi – 4 wickets
A New Benchmark in Fast Bowling
Shaheen Afridi’s record is not just a personal triumph but also a moment of pride for Pakistan cricket fans. Achieving such a feat in only 65 matches underscores his skill, determination, and ability to deliver in high-pressure situations. With many years ahead in his career, Afridi has the potential to rewrite even more records in the future.
