Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi scored a blistering hundred in an ODI match against Sri Lanka 28 years ago on this day (October 4). Afridi required only 37 balls to breach the triple-figure mark and secured the record for the fastest century in the 50-over format back then. Currently, Afridi holds the record for the third-fastest ODI century. The legendary all-rounder achieved the feat in the 1996 KCA Centenary Tournament where South Africa and Kenya had competed alongside Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Twenty two years since that amazing day in Nairobi! Still remember that innings, the moment that changed my life. Thank you for your love and support all these years. Thank you to my teammates for believing in me. https://t.co/Dj8Djd4KAd— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) October 4, 2018
Shahid Afridi’s record remained unbroken till 2014 when New Zealand’s Corey Anderson scored a 36-ball hundred against the West Indies in Queenstown. A year later, South Africa’s AB de Villiers rewrote history by smashing an ODI century off just 31 deliveries against the Caribbeans.
When Shahid Afridi scored a ton against Sri Lanka in 1996, he also became the youngest player to register a triple-digit score in ODI cricket. He achieved the monumental feat at the age of 16 years and 217 days. It was Pakistan’s third match in the tournament. The Asian giants opened the campaign with a 62-run defeat to South Africa before thumping Kenya in the next game to claim a four-wicket win.
Pakistan were asked to bat first after Sri Lankan skipper Arjuna Ranatunga won the toss in Nairobi.
Sahid Afridi arrived at the crease at number three following the dismissal of Saleem Elahi. While captain Saeed Anwar had held the wicket at one end, Afridi went all guns blazing.
The duo amassed 126 runs together, with Shahid Afridi making the majority of the contribution. The right-handed all-rounder struck six boundaries and as many as 11 maximums to register 102 runs off 40 balls. Anwar scored a gritty century as well and added 115 runs to the scoresheet.
Among the other Pakistani batters, only Saleem Malik had an impressive outing and scored 43 runs. Pakistan finished their innings with 371 runs, losing nine wickets in 50 overs.
During the run chase, Sri Lanka lost four wickets at a score of 27. Aravinda de Silva then revived the innings, stitching a 124-run stand with the-then captain Arjuna Ranatunga.
De Silva smashed a quickfire 122 while Ranatunga contributed with 52 runs off 46 balls. Kumar Dharmasena also scored a half century down the order but Sri Lanka fell 82 runs short of the target.
Waqar Younis and Saqlain Mushtaq picked up five and four wickets respectively for Pakistan while Shahid Afridi dismissed one Sri Lanka player. Afridi also claimed the Player of the Match award for his heroic performance.
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