.jpg?type=hq)
Shahid Afridi 's Fastest Century (Source: @ICC/x.com)
Over the years, Pakistan has been the breeding ground of some of the iconic cricketing talents who have dominated the world-class players with their mastery. One of them is Shahid Afridi, who dominated the cricket world with his all-round excellence.
Despite having an outstanding career, controversy has been an undeniable part of his journey. The most talked-about was his age debate, which cast doubt on his record of fastest century at 16, highlighting a clash between his autobiography and the ICC’s official records.
When Afridi Shatters Records With A Furious Knock Against Sri Lanka
As the Pakistan cricket team has produced some enormous talent as Shahid Afridi has become the finest all-rounder of the country. Making his debut in 1996 against Sri Lanka, the Pakistani all-rounder stunned the world with his exceptional batting display in the maiden ODI clash.
While batting, Pakistan got a brilliant start as the opening partnership lasted for 60 runs. After Elahi walked away, being dismissed in 23 runs, 16-year-old Shahid Afridi walked onto the field. With fearless aggression, he unleashed a storm, dispatching the Sri Lankan bowlers to all corners of the ground
Dominating the opponent, Afridi smashed a 37-ball hundred, marking the fastest ODI hundred, breaking Sanath Jayasuriya’s record of a 48-ball hundred. His carnage included 11 towering sixes, equaling Jayasuriya’s ODI record for the most maximums in a single innings, leaving the cricket world in awe.
Questions Loom Over Afridi’s Fastest Ton As Age Controversy Casts A Shadow
In the cricket world, along with exceptional form and talent, age is a valid factor, and Afridi’s age stirred up a controversy. When he released his autobiography ‘Game Changer’, Afridi revealed his birth year as 1975, five years earlier than the ICC’s official record of 1980.
The revelation sparked widespread debate, casting fresh intrigue around his legendary fastest century at 16. If Afridi was actually born in 1975, the story changes significantly. He would have been 21 when he hit that record-breaking fastest century, not 16 as everyone believed.
While talking about his famous feat, he stated that he was 19 when he scored the century. After the controversial reveal, that also became confusing. Between countless on and off-field controversies in Shahid Afridi’s illustrious cricketing career, the age controversy left a black patch.
