Sports
Shaheen Afridi Becomes Pakistan’s Fastest Fast Bowler to 150 ODI Wickets
Pakistan left‑arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi reached 150 ODI wickets on Sunday during the fourth match of the tri‑series against England at Gaddafi Stadium. He dismissed England opener Tom Banton in the first over to claim the milestone in his 80th ODI, making him the second‑fastest Pakistani bowler overall and the fastest Pakistani fast bowler to reach 150 wickets. The record for the fastest Pakistani bowler to 150 wickets is held by Saqlain Mushtaq, who achieved it in 78 matches. Afridi surpassed former pace greats Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar, who both took 91 matches to reach the same mark. Globally, Afridi is joint‑fourth fastest, sharing the spot with Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan and India’s Mohammed Shami, who also took 80 ODIs for 150 wickets. After Afridi’s wicket, Pakistan captain added another by dismissing England batter Joe Root, caught at backward point. Afridi won the toss and chose to field. England are seeking their first win of the tournament after losing to Pakistan by 87 runs in the opening match and after Sri Lanka chased 430 at Rawalpindi. Pakistan began the tri‑series with a 37‑run win over Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi and defended that total. The team made two changes to their playing XI for the Sunday match, the first of the tournament’s Lahore leg.