South African modern great, Hashim Amla, has announced retirement from international cricket.
The 36-year-old has enjoyed an illustrious career and set a number of world records in his playing career.
BREAKING: South Africa's Hashim Amla has announced his retirement from international cricket with immediate effect. pic.twitter.com/mlpPI6DyZJ
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) August 8, 2019
The right-handed opening batsman was the fastest to 2,000, 3,000, 4,000, 5,000, 6,000 and 7,000 ODI runs with 27 centuries – the most by a South African – in 181 matches. He has scored more than 8,000 ODI runs and the only milestones for which he doesn’t have the record i.e. 1,000 and 8,000 are owned by Imam-ul-Haq and Virat Kohli respectively.
In 124 Tests, he has 9,282 runs with 28 tons as well. He is the only Protea batsman to score a triple century in the longest format of the game.
He was one of the finest batsmen of the modern era, offering plenty of moments to cherish for the cricket fans in a career that lasted over 15 years.
Firstly, all Glory and thanks to the Almighty for granting me this Proteas journey which has been nothing but a joy and privilege. I learnt many lessons during this incredible ride, made many friends and most importantly shared in the love of a brotherhood.
In his statement, he concluded by saying ‘Love and Peace’ which all but highlights his humble nature and love for the game.
Twitter Says Farewell to the Legend
From ICC to players, all are saying goodbye to one of the greatest batsmen to grace the game.
🗞️ #HashimAmla has retired from all International cricket.
🏏 Tests: 124
🏏 Runs: 9282
📊 Average: 46.64
💯Hundreds: 28
🔝 Best: 311*🏏 ODIs: 181
🏏 Runs: 8113
📊 Average: 49.46
💯Hundreds: 27
🔝 Best: 159🏏 T20s: 44
🏏 Runs: 1277
📊 Average: 33.60
🔝 Best: 97*👏Legend pic.twitter.com/qE9kL6Y9J3
— PEAK (@ThePeakSA) August 8, 2019
JUST IN: Hashim Amla, one of South Africa's greatest-ever batsmen, has retired from international cricket. pic.twitter.com/yB3rRLSqHX
— ICC (@ICC) August 8, 2019
His best ODI score came at #CWC15, when his 159 boosted South Africa to their highest-ever World Cup total – 411/4 v Ireland 📈
Congratulations on a wonderful career, Hashim Amla 👏 pic.twitter.com/OUzdfDC8id
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) August 8, 2019
The great #HashimAmla has surprised the world with his announcement to retire from all forms of cricket, what a legend & what a great human being & great brand ambassador of the game respect to you wish you best of luck ..
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) August 8, 2019
Congratulations to @amlahash on such a wonderful international career.Truly a legend and a great human https://t.co/limTgUwQRt will definitely be missed by the cricket fans all over the world.Many prayers for your future life.
— Misbah Ul Haq (@captainmisbahpk) August 8, 2019
You have served your country with great distinction and been a source of inspiration for many youngsters @amlahash! Wishing you a wonderful retired life. Good luck my friend. pic.twitter.com/U7OeLwWFtk
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 9, 2019
Congratulations to Hashim Amla on a fantastic international career..what an amazing journey it has been since seeing you for the first time in the Kingsmead nets in the late 90’s… well done..respect..🏏👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 @amlahash
— Shaun Pollock (@7polly7) August 8, 2019
First time I played against @amlahash was in u-19 World Cup in New Zealand.showed the glimpse of his class by playing an outstanding inning against us,surely he finished his international career by being one of the greats of South African cricket.Happy #retirement brother #amla
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) August 8, 2019
It was such a pleasure watching @amlahash with his magic wand.
Congrats 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿 and so long.#whataplayer #themightyHash #HashimAmla— Mpumelelo Mbangwa (@mmbangwa) August 8, 2019
Congratulations @amlahash on such a wonderful career. A True legend and a great human. Best Wishes & Prayers for the future.
— Saqlain Mushtaq (@Saqlain_Mushtaq) August 8, 2019
Congratulations to @amlahash bhai on such a wonderful international career.Truly a legend and a great human being. Definitely cricket fans will miss you .Many prayers for your future life.
— Hassan Ali 🇵🇰 (@RealHa55an) August 8, 2019
Only five players have scored 25+ centuries in both Test and ODI cricket:
– Sachin Tendulkar
– Ricky Ponting
– Virat Kohli
– Kumar Sangakkara
– Hashim AmlaA true legend of the sport retires. pic.twitter.com/8xQrTZfOQ0
— bet365 (@bet365) August 8, 2019
👏 Congratulations on a fantastic international career, Hashim Amla.
He reached the Honours Boards twice, scoring his first century at Lord's in 2008.#LoveLords
— Lord's Cricket Ground (@HomeOfCricket) August 8, 2019
Share your favorite Amla innings in the comments section.