(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Shaheen Afridi Sets New Benchmark as Pakistan’s Fast-Bowling Star Shines Bright
For nearly eight decades, Pakistan’s fast-bowling legacy has been defined by pace, power, and match-winning spells. Among these legends, Shaheen Shah Afridi has emerged as a new star, setting the cricket world ablaze with his exceptional performances.
Since his international debut in 2018, the tall left-arm pacer has embodied Pakistan’s passion for fast bowling—fierce, relentless, and deadly in crucial moments. Despite some recent doubts about his form, the 25-year-old continues to shatter records and silence critics.
Shaheen now holds a remarkable record in ODI cricket: among all bowlers with at least 100 wickets, he boasts the best strike rate in history. On average, he takes a wicket every 25.4 balls—faster than renowned bowlers like India’s Mohammed Shami, Australia’s Mitchell Starc, and Sri Lanka’s Ajantha Mendis.
Top ODI Bowlers by Career Strike Rate (100+ wickets):
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Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan) – 25.4 balls per wicket
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Mohammed Shami (India) – 25.8 balls per wicket
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Mitchell Starc (Australia) – 26.6 balls per wicket
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Ajantha Mendis (Sri Lanka) – 27.3 balls per wicket
In 65 matches, Shaheen has taken 131 wickets, often turning games around with devastating opening spells. His best figures of 6 for 35 showcase his mastery of seam bowling, proving that even the best batsmen struggle against him.
What makes Shaheen’s achievement even more impressive is the era he’s playing in—an age dominated by aggressive batting and record-breaking totals. Maintaining an economy rate of 5.65 while striking so frequently highlights his skill, versatility, and determination.
With eight four-wicket hauls and three five-wicket hauls already in his career, Shaheen Afridi remains Pakistan’s key strike bowler and a modern fast-bowling icon.
As Pakistan’s most lethal wicket-taker, Shaheen shows no signs of slowing down. His recent four-wicket haul against the West Indies is proof that he intends to stay at the top of world cricket for years to come.
