Shahid Afridi literally exploded onto the international cricket scene on 2 Oct 1996. In his second match (and his very first visit to the crease) he posted what was, and still is, the fastest century scored in One Day cricket – by a long way. The damage was 102 runs from 37 balls against Sri Lanka – 11 sixes and 6 fours left little need for running.

The next best is Jayasaria with 45 balls, tied with a recent Afridi onslaught against India. Afridi has also posted three of the seven quickest half centuries (two of those being part of the above centuries) and also comes in all the way down at number 12 (which is a rapid 50 from 21 balls).

All in all, Afridi has 26 fifties and 4 centuries in one day cricket. Afridi also bowls more than occasionally useful leg breaks and has taken 171 wickets in his 208 One Day Internationals.

But all of this is old news. The reason for the article is that after many years, Afridi has recently made a successful and impactful transition to Test cricket – and the timing could not have been better for Pakistan. Afridi was recalled for only his 15th Test match, to a demoralised Pakistan as part of the necessary “last 11 standing” selection policy for the 3rd Test against Australia last January. Although he took no wickets for 115 runs, he made a spirited and promising second innings 46, before being run out. This ensured his place in the one day tournament.

During the one day series he consistently blasted scores of 20,30 and 40 batting at number eight but the key input was his bowling, which improved as the tournament against Australia and the West Indies progressed. He ended up with 10 wickets and I believe that this was the key reason for his retention in the Test side. His batting, while potentially match winning is not likely to be consistent. Afridi has never been prone to change his game and thank goodness for that. With Afridi carrying his weight as a front line bowler, Pakistan could play him as a “bonus” batman, either as an opener or down the order.

Since the Australian tour, Afridi has played in the Test series against India and the West Indies (after being overlooked for the first Test against India, which Pakistan lost). In those matches he has performed with the bat and the ball, making 360 runs at 45.00 (a century and two half centuries) and taking 14 wickets at 21.57. Those are seriously good numbers for an all rounder.

In the recent one day series against the West Indies he was named player of the series having made match winning contributions with the ball in the second match and the bat in the third match.

Perhaps it is just a short period in the sun for Afridi but long may it last. Shahid Afridi is great for Pakistan and world cricket alike.