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Historic Milestone for Shaheen Afridi
On a bright cricket afternoon at the Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Pakistan’s premier left-arm quick Shaheen Shah Afridi etched his name in the record books. With a spell of 4 wickets for 51 runs in 8 overs, Afridi became the fastest bowler in ODI history to claim 130 wickets—achieving the feat in just 65 matches. This surpassed the previous record held by Rashid Khan (128 wickets in 65 matches).
The achievement also elevated Afridi to the top of the strike-rate charts among bowlers from ICC Full Member nations with 100+ wickets, at 25.4, ahead of India’s Mohammed Shami (25.8).
Match Summary – Pakistan vs West Indies, 1st ODI
- Venue: Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad
- Toss: Pakistan won, elected to bowl first
- Result: Pakistan won by 5 wickets, lead 1–0 in the 3-match series
Batting first, West Indies posted 280 runs, thanks to half-centuries from Evin Lewis, Shai Hope, and Roston Chase. Despite the solid starts, Afridi’s timely breakthroughs halted the Caribbean momentum.
Afridi’s Bowling Brilliance
Shaheen’s wickets came at crucial junctures:
- Brandon King – edged to slip early, setting the tone.
- Shai Hope – the West Indies captain, undone by sharp movement.
- Romario Shepherd – removed just as he looked threatening.
- Shamar Joseph – wrapped up the tail.
His aggressive lengths and swing proved too much for the hosts on a surface offering early assistance.
Pakistan’s Chase – Calm and Clinical
Chasing 281, Pakistan began steadily before a middle-overs wobble. Hasan Nawaz’s unbeaten 63 off 54 balls, combined with Hussain Talat’s 49, ensured the visitors crossed the finish line in 48.5 overs. Mohammad Rizwan added a composed 53, anchoring the innings.
The decisive 104-run partnership between Nawaz and Talat underlined Pakistan’s depth and composure under pressure.
Records and Rankings Update
Shaheen Afridi’s performance not only secured a win but also rewrote cricket history:
- Fastest to 130 ODI wickets: 65 matches (previous best – Rashid Khan, 128 in 65 matches)
- Best ODI strike rate among ICC Full Member bowlers (100+ wickets): 25.4, overtaking Mohammed Shami (25.8)
- 4th time taking 4+ wickets against West Indies in ODIs, highlighting his dominance over this opposition.
Afridi’s remarkable strike rate reflects his ability to take wickets regularly, even against set batters, making him one of the most feared bowlers in modern cricket.
What This Win Means for Pakistan
This emphatic five-wicket victory gives Pakistan:
- A 1–0 lead in the 3-match series
- A morale boost ahead of the next ODI
- Confirmation that their pace attack remains world-class, even outside Asian conditions
- Confidence in younger talents like Hasan Nawaz to finish games under pressure
With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on the horizon, such wins help Pakistan fine-tune their squad and strategies.
Looking Ahead to the 2nd ODI
Tactical Takeaways for Pakistan:
- Keep Afridi attacking early to exploit his wicket-taking ability
- Middle-order stability is key; Rizwan’s role will be central
- Rotate pacers to maintain freshness for the decider
Potential Squad Changes:
- Pakistan might give a game to Usama Mir for spin variation if the pitch slows down.
- West Indies may shuffle their top order to counter Afridi’s early swing.
The 2nd ODI promises to be a high-intensity clash as the West Indies will look to bounce back and level the series.
FAQs
1. What record did Shaheen Afridi break?
He became the fastest bowler to 130 ODI wickets, achieving it in 65 matches.
2. Who held the previous record?
Rashid Khan, with 128 wickets in 65 matches.
3. Where was the 1st ODI played?
At the Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad.
4. Who was Pakistan’s top scorer?
Hasan Nawaz, with 63* off 54 balls.
5. What is Shaheen Afridi’s ODI strike rate now?
25.4, the best among bowlers from ICC Full Member nations with 100+ wickets.
6. What’s next in the series?
The 2nd ODI, where Pakistan will aim to clinch the series, and the West Indies will fight to stay alive.
Conclusion: A Statement Victory
Pakistan’s win over the West Indies in the 1st ODI was more than just a series opener—it was a statement of intent. Shaheen Afridi’s record-breaking spell reaffirmed his elite status in world cricket, while the team’s composed chase showed balance between youth and experience.
If Pakistan maintains this form, they will not only secure this series but also send a strong warning to rivals ahead of global tournaments.