Shaheen Afridi becomes Pakistan’s first bowler to reach 100 WTC wickets

DHAKA: Shaheen Shah Afridi reached a significant World Test Championship milestone on the opening day of the first Test against Bangladesh at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Friday, becoming the first Pakistan bowler to take 100 wickets in ICC World Test Championship history.

The left-arm fast bowler got to the landmark when he dismissed Bangladesh opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy during the first day’s play. With that wicket, Afridi also became the 19th bowler overall to complete 100 wickets in the World Test Championship.

The achievement further strengthened his standing as Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker in the competition. According to the figures reported, Afridi now has 100 wickets, followed by Noman Ali with 89, Sajid Khan with 63, Naseem Shah with 60, Abrar Ahmed with 46, Yasir Shah with 41, Hasan Ali with 35 and Mohammad Abbas with 34.

Bangladesh finish day one in a strong position

While Afridi reached an individual milestone, Bangladesh ended the day in control of the opening Test. After being asked to bat first, the hosts closed on 301-4 in 85 overs.

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto led the innings with a century, while Mominul Haque added a half-century to put the home side in a commanding position by stumps.

Mushfiqur Rahim was unbeaten on 48 at the close of play. His innings came off 104 deliveries and included six fours. Litton Das was not out on eight from 35 balls.

The first day therefore featured both a personal landmark for Afridi and a productive batting display from Bangladesh, who made the most of the opportunity after being sent in to bat.

Pakistan’s leading wicket-takers in the WTC

Afridi’s latest milestone places him at the top of Pakistan’s wicket-taking list in the World Test Championship. Noman Ali remains the next closest with 89 wickets, while Sajid Khan and Naseem Shah are also among the leading contributors with 63 and 60 respectively.

Abrar Ahmed has taken 46 wickets in the competition, with Yasir Shah on 41. Hasan Ali and Mohammad Abbas complete the list of the leading Pakistan wicket-takers mentioned in the reported figures, with 35 and 34 wickets respectively.

The opening day in Dhaka thus saw Afridi add another notable entry to his Test record, even as Bangladesh gained the upper hand in the match through strong contributions from Shanto and Mominul.