Pakistan’s pace ace Shaheen Shah Afridi has sent the world another reminder of his irrefutable class during his side’s opening ODI win against the West Indies. That match, the 65th ODI of Shaheen’s career, also saw him notch a record unmatched by anyone.
His four wickets in that game helped his tally reach 131 wickets, the most by any bowler at this stage of their career.
The 25-year-old left-arm fast bowler has surpassed previous joint record holders Mitchell Starc (Australia) and Rashid Khan (Afghanistan), who each had 129 wickets after 65 ODIs, underscoring the magnitude of his achievement. Shaheen Afridi’s feat is made even more remarkable by the fact that he is the only bowler in history to maintain an average of more than two wickets per ODI across his first 65 matches.
His impact on the game has been immense since making his debut in 2018, combining raw pace with lethal swing to become Pakistan’s go-to weapon with the new ball. Whether in home conditions or overseas, Shaheen Afridi’s ability to strike early and often has turned matches in Pakistan’s favour on countless occasions.
| Rank | Player | Country | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shaheen Shah Afridi | Pakistan | 131 |
| 2 | Mitchell Starc | Australia | 129 |
| 2 | Rashid Khan | Afghanistan | 129 |
| 4 | Saqlain Mushtaq | Pakistan | 123 |
| 5 | Shane Bond | New Zealand | 122 |
| 5 | Brett Lee | Australia | 122 |
The record book might not stop here, either. Shaheen Afridi is already certain to hold the 66-match record the moment he takes the field again, as the current best at that stage is also 129 wickets, jointly held by Starc and Rashid. To own the record after 67 ODIs, he will need just three more wickets to surpass Starc’s 133.
By racing ahead of some of the most feared bowlers in modern cricket, Shaheen Afridi has cemented his place among the elite — and with years of cricket still ahead of him, Pakistan fans can expect many more milestones to fall.