Afridi wants to reclaim fastest ODI ton record during World Cup

E-Paper | July 25, 2026

KARACHI: Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi said during an interview that he will try to wrest back the record of scoring the fastest ODI century when Pakistan tours New Zealand and during the World Cup, NDTV reported.

The flamboyant batsman said if he achieves the record, it would be a memorable farewell for him and his fans from the limited overs version of the game

"You never plan out to set such records. It just happens when you have a very special day and your confidence is sky high. If everything works out for me and it is my special day than I will try to improve the record set by AB de Villers in New Zealand or in the World Cup," Afridi said in the interview.

Afridi said that he was happy to see someone of de Villiers class hold the record for the fastest fifty and century in ODIs.

"He played like a champion to get the record and it was his special day," he said.

South African de Villiers broke the record against the West Indies on Sunday scoring a century from just 31 balls.

Afridi held the record for the fastest one-day hundred for nearly 17 years after blasting 102 off 37 balls against Sri Lanka in Nairobi.

His record was beaten by New Zealand's Corey Anderson in 2013 in Queenstown against the West Indies by just one ball.

Afridi said he had never dreamed he could get a ODI hundred in 37 balls when he played in the tri series in Nairobi in 1996.

"It just happened that day it was my special day and everything clicked. I hope I get another special day in the coming World Cup if it can happen I will try to get back the record of which I was always proud.

"But realistically speaking I know that at the number I come to bat at these days one can score a half century but it is really difficult to get a hundred but you never know it could my special day," he said during the interview.

Afridi had announced his retirement from ODI cricket after the 2015 World Cup in December.

The all rounder, who is close to completing 400 wickets and 8000 runs in ODIs, having taken 391 wickets and scored 7870 runs so far, said he was hopeful he will be able to reach this landmark in the World Cup.

Known for his run-ins with the establishment and his outspoken comments on Pakistan cricket, Afridi retired from Test matches during the series against Australia in England in 2010.

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Nomee

Jan 21, 2015 12:48am

Dream on!

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hyat

Jan 21, 2015 12:51am

that means zero.

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Harmony

Jan 21, 2015 12:52am

Not possible in vast grounds over there. Opposition bowlers will be grinning at this. He should try his luck at that Jo'berg ground where its possible.

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Sunil Singh

Jan 21, 2015 12:54am

You can do it. ABD came to bat in 40th over and still got the feat.

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A. Mirza

Jan 21, 2015 12:59am

Why don't you grow up and play a sensible inning for once.

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Saima Khan

Jan 21, 2015 12:59am

Do u remember ur performance in last world cup? People who really do the work they do not say any thing. You are already in the team after miserable performances in last 4 years. Thanks for Board. from years you and shoaib malik are taking spots of many youngster or deserving players like Fawad Alam, Hammad Shah, Khurrum Manzoor etc

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junee

Jan 21, 2015 01:07am

Gayi BHENS. Matlab kuchh nai kareinge hazrat.

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Shahid

Jan 21, 2015 01:08am

Simply means don't count on me. He will never understand that it is about Pakistan and not him the madmax. In his last few innings it seemed as if he was coming to senses and had started to build his innings but no forget it.

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Adeel Khan

Jan 21, 2015 01:10am

Lala I wish all the best. May Allah help you to achieve this. InsAllah

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Fawad

Jan 21, 2015 01:10am

@A. Mirza .. Asia Cup final ?? Afridi is what he is... if this is motivation for him .. so be it.. give him a break.. he is still scoring better than half our top order.

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dawn

Jan 21, 2015 01:14am

Afridi sahib PLEASE dont let your confidence be sky high during the world cup. Play a sensible game now that you been picked to play (against my wishes).

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Khan

Jan 21, 2015 01:16am

LOL, agree with A. Mirza :D

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Khurram Jadoon

Jan 21, 2015 01:24am

@Sunil Singh I wish he can play at least one ball like AB - AB hit almost all balls on merit and where he wanted them to go .. whereas that's in the case with shahid.

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ahm,ed

Jan 21, 2015 01:25am

Go for it Lala, we would love to see you gain it back. Good luck

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Ahmad

Jan 21, 2015 01:27am

We have not any desire of your fastest century, rather need to see you play very sensibly, hoping that you will achieve this target, as this is your Last Mega event. Wishing you Best of Luck TEAM PAKISTAN............. Pakistan Zindabad.......

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Black Sabbath

Jan 21, 2015 01:27am

Your time is over buddy. Think about retiring instead of breaking records.

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Mehmana

Jan 21, 2015 01:38am

That is what we love about Afridi. He is the one who can do it.. Our prayers are with you.

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Zafar

Jan 21, 2015 01:39am

One wants to beat India, the other wants to go after records. Winning the world cup is not part of the priorities. What messed up logic! I am thinking of adopting another team to root for - perhaps South Africa with Amla leading the charge.

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Junad

Jan 21, 2015 01:48am

please focus on the batting. You are occupying an alrounder spot so please focus on batting rather than record. Play for the team. Our batting struggles more often than not and down under does not offer spin friendly tracks. SO it is important you perform with the bat.

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Sheraz

Jan 21, 2015 01:59am

Its not possible in Australia Lala! You have to be in Wanderer stadium in Johannesburg which is batsman paradise!

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anser-r@juno.com

Jan 21, 2015 02:04am

Not surprised to hear from him. It is always about him. Anser

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Riaz

Jan 21, 2015 02:14am

All the best Afridi. We know this World Cup will be brought back home by Pakistani Greens!

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anony

Jan 21, 2015 02:32am

Best of luck LALA. I'm confident that you will do it. Best wishes. You are the pride of Pakistan team.

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Jan 21, 2015 02:53am

Highly unlikely, but for all you know, it can happen.

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Jawad U Rahman

Jan 21, 2015 03:19am

So, the focus is smashing records, not winning for your country. Records are meaningless in the bigger scheme of things.

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Sab Se Pehle Pakistan

Jan 21, 2015 03:22am

Yes you can do it. Just hope for the best. Take your retirement back for the sake of your country. It doesn't make sense to retire now you can easily play for another 2-3 years. With Misbah retiring we need a senior player.

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Canada

Jan 21, 2015 03:22am

So instead of playing for the team and doing what is in the best interest of the team he is more concerned of his personal record? Then he wants to become captain. I would love to see this guy dropped tomorrow and not even attend the WC. The team is always first sir not you.

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Aysha

Jan 21, 2015 03:42am

When AB made fastest century, thats the first thing came to mind. I feared that what if Afridi thinks of breaking the record. If he "tired", he will be out after a short or two, and will put pakistan in deep trouble. He needs to grow up.

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Aysha

Jan 21, 2015 03:44am

I think Afridi's goal should be to be on the crease and play atleast 5 overs. Somebody needs to take this out of his head that he should only be hitting sixes. But I heard him in one of the interviews saying that is the way he is and he will not change himself.

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Aysha

Jan 21, 2015 03:47am

Afridi (and many other in pak team), play for the "personal glory" and not for pakistan. If he cared, he would play sensibly. He knows that pakistan needs him but he wont change his style of playing foolish shots.

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Rafay

Jan 21, 2015 03:59am

Lol - Mehnat ker Hassad na Ker :)

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AXH

Jan 21, 2015 04:04am

He should focus on winning and not breaking records. A broken record does not mean much if the end result is a lost game.

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sab_bangalore

Jan 21, 2015 04:14am

well afridi can achieve it! he has done it before and there is no reason to believe he cannot do it again. But it will be good for the game of cricket and Pakistan if Afridi score a consistent 35+ rather than a blistering 50+ every now and then. He could have single handedly won several matches on this own for Pak..true freak talent who have underperformed by his own standards and ability

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commentator

Jan 21, 2015 04:41am

Absolute nonsense. You have spoiled your career from your "boom approach" and now close to the time of your retirement you are talking about breaking a word record. Look at your average and performances over the years. Zero after Zero. You are lucky to be have been selected in the team. For God's sake don't even think about anything like breaking this record. Be sensible. Play for your team and in accordance with the need of the hour and don't think about personal records. If you could manage a few fifties at an average run scoring rate, that will be enough and we will think we have been lucky.

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Naveed USA

Jan 21, 2015 04:52am

@Saima Khan deserving players you mentioned ,they have already taken many chances but them couldn't perform up to the mark,they should blame themselves.These players can perform well at Pakistan domestic cricket. The board should look for other deserving and capable players and groom them.

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Naveed USA

Jan 21, 2015 04:54am

@Ahmad Good,you have written of my mind.

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Naveed USA

Jan 21, 2015 04:56am

@sab_bangalore well said!

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nawab

Jan 21, 2015 05:10am

India didn't include players like Yuvraj Singh who happens to be the player of the tournament in last world cup. Here in Pakistan we have this useless player who keep occupying some one else place in the team without much contribution.

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Nadman Texas

Jan 21, 2015 05:17am

Mostt selfish player in the whole team. Never will work for his Country. will always look for personal glory. Would be happy if the glory hogger does achieve 68.50 percent of what he is saying. Will benifit PK

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Suprit

Jan 21, 2015 05:38am

@Zafar because Amla is Muslim. Why don't you choose a team or player without deciding on religion

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Abdul Malik

Jan 21, 2015 06:17am

Keep dreaming

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Rizwan - US

Jan 21, 2015 06:22am

Afridi fans either like it or not but I don't understand the logic of stupid comments from a player who does not even merit a spot in a departmental team. It can only happen in Pakistan. Good luck to the whole team not an individual who is more concerned about his personal performance. Mind you this is a team game and if you are not a team player you should go and play Tennis instead. Good luck Team Pakistan!!!

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jawad

Jan 21, 2015 06:39am

That's the Spirit. I love you Afridi. Get your record back in 29 balls.

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Sajan

Jan 21, 2015 07:36am

Hasha !!!

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Dr. Babu Lal Prasad

Jan 21, 2015 07:59am

His is done for the most part as far as batting goes. Don't expect too much from him otherwise be ready for big disappointment.

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Nadulal

Jan 21, 2015 08:18am

TAke it easy!!! Khan sahib, you are not in your teens anymore. Pak will need you in bowling then batting

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Ground_shot

Jan 21, 2015 08:28am

Dude... keep your shots on the ground. Given the size of Aus ground, your age and skills of scooping up in the air it is mere impossible. You might try at Christchurch or Auckland if Pak playing any game there. Start opening in T20 after world cup and try your dream there.

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A.Mirza

Jan 21, 2015 08:28am

@Fawad - he is the senior most player in the squad. He should stop playing for personal records and glory and guide the team.

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Fahad Usman

Jan 21, 2015 08:34am

Inshallah!!!!!! Brother Afridi can make a record which no one even has dreamed of.May Allah give him courage and power to make his thoughts come true.May Allah keep him safe,and sound. BOOM BOOM AFRIDI!!!!!!!! (Once Again)

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haider

Jan 21, 2015 08:49am

Not many players in the world can even think of doing what you want to do. Open the inning if needed .good luck to you.remember people love winners. See if you can handle the stress else you have shown us some outstanding cricket

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Hameed

Jan 21, 2015 08:49am

Mr. Afridi, I have been following your feats since a long time. Nowadays it seems you are not in any rush to score the fastest century, but seem to be demonized by a desire to be the fastest batsman to get out and return back to the dressing room. If you can correct the current dilemma, you could then talk big about being the fastest century maker in 2015. May Allah give you rational success, and wishing you all the best. Although I live in the USA since early eighties, I always it a point to keep track of cricket, and specially your curve ball claims.

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Paki

Jan 21, 2015 08:50am

This comment from Afridi clearly shows he plays for himself not the team. To him personal record is more important than winning the match.

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Ali Pakistani

Jan 21, 2015 09:10am

Afridi should concentrate on winning the World Cup, instead of dreaming foolish dreams. Its a miracle if he can score a decent average leave alone a century these days.

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wcc2015

Jan 21, 2015 09:19am

Wow........with all the comments above, i love the confidence we as a nation have in our players. You can certainly do it lala.....you have been the pride of this nation for almost 20 years now. I am pretty sure you guys will make the nation proud.

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sheraz

Jan 21, 2015 09:25am

@ A.Mirza...why don't you wake up and look at his statistics as compared to other all rounders...

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MSalim

Jan 21, 2015 09:42am

Corey Anderson broke Afridi's record on 1st Jan of 2014 not 2013.

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Abbas Ali

Jan 21, 2015 10:01am

Misleading heading! Though Afridi has lost it but thank goodness he will continue with his current sensible batting form.

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Prince

Jan 21, 2015 10:14am

Wish you guys nothing but the best. !!

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LOUDSPEAKER

Jan 21, 2015 10:22am

We want Pakistan to win... your fastest century (remotest possibility) will be of no use if we loose the match so it is better to plan on playing a responsible inning for the team.

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Apoorva

Jan 21, 2015 10:45am

MI 5 !!! I think it will be even tough for him to score a 50 before retirement

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syed wasim haider

Jan 21, 2015 10:59am

Please play your last World Cup sensibly.

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Ample reverence for Saudis

Jan 21, 2015 11:00am

Just grow up man!

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ali

Jan 21, 2015 11:04am

if Afridi continues his policy of hit out or get then he will be doing no service to the nation. nor to cricket and he will he will be setting a bad example for the youngsters who want to be good ODI players.

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Mudassar Siddiq

Jan 21, 2015 11:04am

Another uppish shot from Afridi. Another catch in the deep.

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asgher

Jan 21, 2015 11:38am

BOOM BOOM!!! INSHALLAH AGAINST INDIA!!!

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Nasser

Jan 21, 2015 11:50am

Yes, I can say the same thing. Afridi is the reason for so many of Pak failures that we have been around number 6 or 7 in ODI. Afridi will do well to get into double-digit on the fast and bouncy tracks of New Zealand and Australia.

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Sanjeev Yadav

Jan 21, 2015 12:07pm

When Afridi is hitting I feel like watching gully cricket. Once in a wile a guy comes and rocks the scene and gone for good. You were like a rock star but with very few hits. I never saw Afridi scoring consistently specially against good oppositions like Australia, South Africa etc. As a teen aged I saw him playing and now I am 40 but I'm sure he will still be short of 40.

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syed

Jan 21, 2015 12:12pm

In modern day cricket Afridi held the record for fastest century for almost 17 years (1996 to 2014) Prior to this Jaisuria,s record of 48 ball hundred had lasted for some years. Corey Andersons record of 36 ball hundred lasted just one year. Dont know how long AB,s record of 31 ball hundred last. Afridi grew up with that record and now it surely hurts him. Best of luck to him to reclaim this record. Chances of this record being broken is still a possibility by Gayle, AB Deviller,Mclullum afridi or even Misbah but it will most likey be against a non test playing nation or BD or Zimbawe.

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Viking Star

Jan 21, 2015 12:24pm

@Sunil Singh Yes but when AB came into bat, the tempo was already set. Imagine 40 overs gone and just one wicket down and openers had already posted HUGE total. So AB was under no pressure at all. But one must give due credit to him for his unbelievable knock. One hasn't see such kind of hitting in the past.

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Viking Star

Jan 21, 2015 12:28pm

@AXH Exactly. Tendulkar did the same thing. Poor guy was unable to make a 100th 100 and finally was given chance to make it against "mighty" Bangladesh, he eventually did it (somehow) but India lost the game LOL!

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Saeed Masood

Jan 21, 2015 12:32pm

Our prayers are with you.....the most important part of any success is...1.Honesty. 2.Hard work. 3.The dream.....the person who has no Dreams of goals and success ends right at the bottom....Afridi you are already the record holder of fastest ODI 100 so nothing to worry...if you better it even better...keep dreaming and trying the success will come Inshahallah.

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Kabir talk

Jan 21, 2015 01:07pm

At retiring age u can claim such promises...instead promise to bring somebody else of this caliber.

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Jimmy

Jan 21, 2015 01:12pm

Afridi Not in the world cup. We need you to play solid innings as we have lack of experience in our team. Don't be adventurous. Senior players like your self and Umar have to provide stability but scoring fast at the same time

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Janu Not-German

Jan 21, 2015 01:41pm

Bhai Sb - Even if you can score 40 runs in each match at a strike of 80% we will be more than happy

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bikram singh

Jan 21, 2015 01:47pm

@Saima Khan you are right saima, afridi is playing mind games because he dont want to sit outside in any of the matches of world cup and wants to play all the matches irrespective of his performance. first he took sympathies by saying that he is going to retire after world cup & now by saying he will made the fastest 100, arousing pak fans expectations. basically he knows that if shoaib akhtar can be made to sit outside in last world cup why cant he be this time. so its just a gimmick.

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Rogers Evans

Jan 21, 2015 02:12pm

Records are made to be broken. Afridi or someone else can break it. So good luck, Lala ! Pakistan is with you.

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Moshim Gorwal

Jan 21, 2015 02:46pm

SHAHID AFRIDI is 100% capable to regain the record of fastest ODI 100(century). But whoever will be captain of Pak WC squad he must use AFRIDI as an opener/one down batsman. Atleast 2down. Afridi must use his mind & should play sensibily as well as more aggressive than AB De Velliers. We all of them with you

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ali

Jan 21, 2015 02:50pm

Yes lala...the whole country is running on miracles..... This whole nation...for the last 60 odd years....has been relying on miracles....so why not another one from you.

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fayaz ahmed

Jan 21, 2015 03:11pm

@Aysha dear, this is his natural talent & has occupied his place in the Pak team for many years. he should play his natural game. if he clicks he would win alone world cup for Pak. he has to be aggressive & sensible. there are players in many teams who if stays at the crease wins the matches for the team & Afridi is one such player. records come & go & are ment to be broken & Lala is one who has broken many records. if Pak wins the world cup it will be bcoz of Lala. so pray for him & the team for the mega event.

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fayaz ahmed

Jan 21, 2015 03:15pm

Lala can reclaim the record at any ground. big & small grounds does not matter for him. he is a very strong guy & has a lot of musscle power. even if he mishits the short it goes for a six. he has shown it many times.

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A Pakistani

Jan 21, 2015 03:37pm

Having a title of BOOM BOOM for more than 17 years received from many international commentators including Tony Graig, Wasim Akram and Ravi Shastri is still an achievement that can't match by any other current players. AB Deviller just played one inning but BOOM BOOM is used to play the same since 1996 (almost 19 years). Afridi you are a real BOOM BOOM.

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OmarFL

Jan 21, 2015 07:22pm

Thank you Lala for warning us beforehand not to follow the team even in round one.

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ibrahim

Jan 21, 2015 07:33pm

@Saima Khan He took more than 21 wickets and lead the team from the front even when his batting was needed.

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