Web Desk: Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi reached a major milestone on Sunday, becoming the fastest Pakistani fast bowler to take 150 wickets in One-Day International cricket during the fourth match of the tri-nation series against England.
Shaheen reached the landmark at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium when he dismissed England opener Tom Banton early in the innings.
The 26-year-old achieved the feat in his 80th ODI, underlining his rapid rise among Pakistan’s leading pace bowlers.
Shaheen is now the second-fastest Pakistani bowler overall to reach 150 ODI wickets.
Only former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq reached the milestone quicker, taking 150 wickets in 78 matches.
By reaching the mark in 80 games, Shaheen moved ahead of some of Pakistan’s most celebrated fast bowlers, including Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar.
The milestone adds another significant achievement to Shaheen’s international career, which has already seen him emerge as one of Pakistan’s most prominent pace threats across formats.
Shaheen’s record came as Pakistan opted to bowl first after winning the toss against England.
He made an immediate impact, removing Banton early in the innings to give Pakistan an important breakthrough.
He then struck again to dismiss England batter Joe Root, strengthening Pakistan’s position during the opening phase of the innings.
Pakistan continued to put pressure on England as the visitors lost wickets during the early stages of their innings.
Shaheen’s latest achievement further strengthens his place among Pakistan’s modern fast-bowling greats.
At just 26, the left-arm pacer has already established himself as a key figure in Pakistan’s white-ball attack and has become one of the country’s most reliable wicket-takers in ODI cricket.
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