In an exhilarating moment during the 1st Test match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, Shaheen Shah Afridi reached a significant milestone by claiming his 100th Test wicket. To celebrate this outstanding achievement, teammate Mohammad Rizwan presented Afridi with a special souvenir in the locker room after the match.
“Many, many congratulations. You are an inspiration for our team. For the bowlers as well as the youngsters. Some players who play in the current team become an inspiration for the whole unit. Like Babar Azam and you,” Rizwan expressed his admiration to Afridi, acknowledging his valuable contribution to the team’s success.
Afridi’s journey to the 100-wicket mark was marked by determination and skill, making him the 19th Pakistani player to accomplish this feat. Notably, he also secured this distinction as the fourth quickest fast bowler from Pakistan to reach this milestone. His crucial wicket, which secured the achievement, was that of Sri Lanka’s opening batsman Nishan Madushka, who was caught behind.
During the match, Afridi showcased his bowling prowess by claiming a total of three wickets. However, rain played a spoilsport, allowing only 65.4 overs out of the scheduled 90 to be played on the first day. Consequently, the match will resume early on day two to compensate for the lost time.
Despite the weather interruptions, Vice-captain Dhananjaya de Silva demonstrated an inspired performance for Sri Lanka. He fought diligently and posted a remarkable score of 94, rescuing the team from early damage caused by Afridi and Naseem Shah’s exceptional spells with the new ball.
De Silva formed crucial partnerships, most notably with Angelo Mathews, amassing 131 runs for the fifth wicket. Mathews initially struggled against the pace attack but found his comfort against spin and eventually secured his 39th test half-century. His knock came to an end when he nicked one to the wicketkeeper, dismissed off the bowling of leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed.
Later on, de Silva collaborated with Sadeera Samarawickrama for a 57-run partnership for the sixth wicket before Samarawickrama was dismissed for 36 in the last over of the day.
Shaheen Shah Afridi’s remarkable achievement adds another chapter to his burgeoning cricket career, inspiring fellow players and fans alike. As the match continues, both teams will be eager to make their mark in what promises to be an enthralling encounter between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
