ICC ODI CWC ODI Cricket

Top 5 fast bowlers quickest to 100 ODI wickets

Top 5 fast bowlers quickest to 100 ODI wickets
Image via World Cup

In a World Cup 2023 match between Pakistan and Bangladesh, Shaheen Afridi, the 23-year-old fast-bowler, achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the fastest fast-bowler to reach 100 ODI wickets. He accomplished this feat in just 51 matches, surpassing the previous record held by Mitchell Starc, who achieved it in 52 outings. This achievement highlights Shaheen’s exceptional talent and his impact on Pakistan’s cricketing success.

Fast bowlers fastest to 100 ODI wickets

Shaheen Afridi’s name now stands at the top of the list of fastest fast-bowlers to reach 100 ODI wickets. His extraordinary journey to this milestone includes overtaking notable names like Shane Bond, Mustafizur Rahman, and Brett Lee. His consistency and ability to take wickets consistently have earned him a well-deserved place among the world’s premier fast bowlers.

51 – Shaheen Shah Afridi

52 – Mitchell Starc

54 – Shane Bond

54 – Mustafizur Rahman

55 – Brett Lee

Notably, Shaheen Afridi is not only the quickest among fast bowlers but also the fastest among Pakistani bowlers to reach the 100-wicket mark. He outpaced the legendary Saqlain Mushtaq, who achieved this feat in 53 matches. Shaheen’s rise to prominence in the world of cricket has been a source of pride for Pakistan, and his contributions have been invaluable for the national team.

Shaheen Afridi is regarded as one of the best bowlers in the world, and his versatility is evident as he excels in all formats of the game. His prowess with the new ball makes him an exceptionally dangerous bowler, capable of providing early breakthroughs and setting the tone for Pakistan’s success.

Shaheen made his international debut in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is in 2018, and since then, he has consistently delivered outstanding performances that have garnered attention and admiration from cricket enthusiasts worldwide.

In the match against Bangladesh, Pakistan won the toss and opted to field. Bangladesh, who had lost five out of their six matches leading up to this encounter, made a change in their batting lineup by including Towhid Hridoy in place of Mahedi Hasan.

Pakistan, with a total of four defeats in six games, faced a must-win situation in this crucial match to keep their slim hopes of reaching the semi-finals alive. The team made three changes from their previous match, bringing back opener Fakhar Zaman, Agha Salman, and Usama Mir into the playing XI. These alterations were a strategic move to strengthen the team’s chances of success.

Shaheen Afridi’s record-breaking achievement and Pakistan’s determination to secure victory in this match added to the excitement of the World Cup 2023, making it a memorable and thrilling contest for cricket fans around the world.

Also, see:

All you need to know about ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Asia Qualifier Final