OTD Shahid Afridi recorded second-best bowling figures in ODI history

Shahid Afridi started his international career as one of the most destructive batters of the era and a handy leg-spinner. He broke the record for the fastest century in ODI cricket in terms of balls taken. The right-handed batter registered this record against Sri Lanka in 1996, getting to the three-figure score off just 37 balls. However, as time went on, Afridi became more of a specialist spinner who won Pakistan several games single-handedly with his leg-spin and contributed important runs with the bat on some occasions.

On July 14, 2013, the West Indies hosted Pakistan in the first ODI in a five-match series at the Providence Stadium in Guyana. Afridi scored a magnificent 76 off 55 balls to help Pakistan get to a respectable score of 224/9. This was after they had lost half their side for just 47 runs.

In reply, the West Indies lost Chris Gayle through a run-out, while Mohammad Irfan sent Johnson Charles and Darren Bravo packing. Then it was the Afridi show as he dismantled the West Indies batting lineup with his masterful bowling display.

Lendl Simmons became Afridi’s first victim as he was stumped by Kamran Akmal. West Indies captain Dwayne Bravo was dismissed off the following delivery LBW as Afridi was on a hat-trick.

Kieron Pollard kept the hat-trick ball out, but he was later dismissed caught at long-off, trying to hit a maximum to break the shackles. Marlon Samuels was the last specialist batter to be dismissed. He could not get his bat down in time to a delivery bowled quickly and at the pads.

Afridi bagged his fifth wicket when Kemar Roach hit a full delivery straight back at him. Sunil Narine tried to delay the inevitable before hitting one straight to Nasir Jamshed at cover. Jason Holder was the last batter to be dismissed, being out LBW to Afridi, who finished with surreal figures of 7/12 in nine overs. This is the second-best figures for a bowler in ODI cricket. Chaminda Vaas still holds the record for his spell of 8/19 against Zimbabwe in Colombo in 2001.

The West Indies were bowled out for 98 as Pakistan emerged victorious by a huge margin of 126 runs. Afridi was awarded Player of the Match for his all-round heroics.

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