SL vs PAK, Shaheen Afridi completes 100 Test wickets: Stats
Pakistan pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi has accomplished yet another milestone as he has raced to 100 wickets in Tests. The ongoing series opener between hosts Sri Lanka and Pakistan in Galle marked his milestone. The left-arm speedster got to the feat with his first wicket in the contest as he dismissed opener Nishan Madushka (4) in the first innings. Here are further details.
A fiery opening spell from Shaheen
Sri Lanka, who won the toss and elected to bat first in Galle, were off to a poor start as Shaheen made the new ball talk. Though he was not rapid as usual, the speed merchant was getting the new ball to move. He also dismissed the opposition's skipper Dimuth Karunaratne (29) and Kusal Mendis (12) after touching the 100-wicket mark.
Afridi's journey in Tests
Afridi has been the leader of Pakistan's bowling attack across formats in the last couple of years. He has also made a significant mark with whites. The left-arm speedster made his debut in the format in December 2018. He did not take long in becoming a vital part of the team. Notably, Afridi is playing his first Test exactly after a year.
Four fifers in the format
Meanwhile, Afridi has become the 19th Pakistan bowler to accomplish 100 Test wickets. The 23-year-old got to the mark in 26 Tests as his average in the format is 24-plus. The tally includes four five-wicket hauls and a match 10-wicket haul. His best innings figures read 6/51. Standing in his fourth Test against SL, he has raced to 13 wickets at a 22-plus average.
Afridi joins Akram and Amir in the elite list
Meanwhile, Afridi has become the fourth left-arm bowler to complete 100 Test wickets for Pakistan. He joined the likes of Wasim Akram (414), Iqbal Qasim (171), and Mohammad Amir (119) in this elite list. Only Qasim is a spinner among the aforementioned names.
His numbers outside Asia
Afridi has enjoyed operating with the red ball outside Asia. He has made 13 Test appearances in this regard, scalping 53 wickets at an impressive average of 24.64. The tally includes a couple of fifers and a match 10 fer. His remaining 49 wickets have come in Asia. 29 of his wickets have come in eight Tests in Pakistan at 27.72.
