A look at Shoaib Malik's career-defining moments
Pakistan's exquisite middle-order batsman Shoaib Malik announced his retirement from the ODIs on Friday. The announcement came following Pakistan's exit from the ICC World Cup 2019. As tributes and wishes flow in for a career that spanned over 20 years, Malik contributed immensely in progress of Pakistan cricket. In the same light, here we have a look at his career defining moments.
Top run-scorer for Pakistan as they drub India in ODIs
Coming off a 2-3 loss at home a year back, Pakistan were determined to overcome Men in Blue. While India won the opening two games, Pakistan scripted a remarkable turnaround to take the next four games. Malik finished as the top run-scorer for Pakistan, scoring 269 runs in six matches, including three half-centuries, which was one of the biggest moments of his career.
A ton at Centurion against arch-rivals
One of his most memorable and defining knocks came against arch-rivals India during the ICC Champions Trophy 2009. Being their second meeting in the tournament's history, Pakistan already had the upper hand from their previous meeting. It was his knock of 128 that allowed Pakistan to score a challenging total of 302/9, while India succumbed to a 54-run defeat, helping Pakistan win consecutively.
Maiden Test ton at Colombo in 2006
Having retired from the longest format already, Malik impressed in red-ball cricket, as well, when he scored his maiden ton in the format. It came against Sri Lanka, as in the second innings, his 148* ensured that Pakistan didn't succumb to the home team and salvage a draw. While the match was headlined by Kumar Sangakkara's 185, Malik was the hero for Pakistan.
Has had a splendid run in the T20Is
While he is yet to retire from T20Is, he has made a tremendous impact. He was their second top run-scorer during the inaugural edition of the ICC World T20 in 2007, where he led Pakistan to the final, only to lose to India. He also played a decent role, finishing as their fourth highest run-scorer, as they rode to the title win in 2009.
Malik's career stats tell the impact he created
Shoaib Malik played 287 ODIs, in which he scored 7,534 runs at an average of 34.55. He also slammed 44 half-centuries and nine tons. He also enjoyed a successful run as a bowler, picking 158 wickets at an average of 39.18.
