(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Shaheen Afridi Sets New Record as Pakistan’s Leading Wicket-Taker After 65 ODIs
Pakistan’s fast bowling star Shaheen Shah Afridi has once again demonstrated his world-class talent with a record-breaking performance during the team’s opening ODI victory against the West Indies.
In his 65th ODI, Shaheen took four wickets, pushing his career total to an unmatched 131 wickets—the highest number of wickets taken by any bowler at this stage of their ODI career.
The 25-year-old left-arm pacer surpassed previous record holders Mitchell Starc of Australia and Rashid Khan of Afghanistan, who both had 129 wickets after 65 matches. What makes Afridi’s achievement even more remarkable is his consistency, maintaining an average of more than two wickets per game across his first 65 ODIs.
Since his international debut in 2018, Shaheen Afridi has been Pakistan’s strike weapon with the new ball. Combining raw speed with devastating swing, he has turned the tide in countless matches both at home and abroad.
Top Wicket-Takers After 65 ODIs:
| Rank | Player | Country | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shaheen Afridi | Pakistan | 131 |
| 2 | Mitchell Starc | Australia | 129 |
| 2 | Rashid Khan | Afghanistan | 129 |
| 4 | Saqlain Mushtaq | Pakistan | 123 |
| 5 | Shane Bond | New Zealand | 122 |
| 5 | Brett Lee | Australia | 122 |
By overtaking some of cricket’s most feared bowlers, Shaheen Afridi has firmly established himself among the game’s elite. With many years of cricket ahead, Pakistan fans can look forward to more milestones from their star pacer.
