The bat, a borrowed treasure from one cricketing legend to another, became the instrument through which Afridi etched his name into the record books.
In the annals of cricketing history, certain moments sparkle like gems, etching themselves into the collective memory of fans. One such moment unfolded on October 4, 1996, in Nairobi, Kenya, during the KCA Centenary Tournament, when a young ShahidAfridi announced his arrival on the ODI stage with a century that defied belief and was fueled by the magic of none other than Sachin Tendulkar's bat.
Afridi's journey to this extraordinary innings began with a twist of fate. Having missed the chance to bat on his debut against Kenya, Afridi found himself wielding a bat that held the essence of cricketing greatness—Sachin Tendulkar's. It wasn't just any bat; it was a gift from Tendulkar to WaqarYounis, intended for the creation of a custom-made replica in Sialkot. However, destiny had other plans.
WaqarYounis, with the foresight that would later be celebrated, handed the bat to Afridi just before he was set to go out to bat at No. 3 against Sri Lanka. Little did anyone know that this seemingly routine decision would set the stage for a historic inning.
In his autobiography, "Game Changer," Afridi expressed his gratitude to Younis for the bat that played a pivotal role in the making of ShahidAfridi. The bat, a borrowed treasure from one cricketing legend to another, became the instrument through which Afridi etched his name into the record books.
Afridi's innings, a breathtaking display of power-hitting, saw him score a then-record-breaking century in just 37 balls. His explosive knock, adorned with 11 sixes and six boundaries, guided Pakistan to a formidable total of 371/9 in 50 overs. The innings showcased Afridi's audacity and flair, leaving an indelible mark on cricketing folklore.
The magic of the innings wasn't confined to the bat alone. Afridi, in his book, disclosed a premonitory dream he had the night before the match. In his dream, he found himself smashing towering sixes against the likes of SanathJayasuriya and MuttiahMuralitharan. This surreal vision became a reality on the pitch the next day as Afridi's dream metamorphosed into a stunning reality, leaving fans in awe.
Afridi's partnership with Saeed Anwar, who scored 115 runs in 120 balls, further solidified Pakistan's dominance in the match. The duo's 126-run stand for the second wicket added to the spectacle as Sri Lanka found themselves chasing an imposing target.
The record-setting century, however, wasn't without its quirks. In cricketing lore, Afridi's age at the time has been a subject of debate. While many believed he was a 16-year-old prodigy, Afridi, in his book, clarified that he was actually 19 when he made his international debut. The authorities had incorrectly stated his age, adding an intriguing layer to the story.
Corey Anderson surpassed ShahidAfridi's record in 2014, achieving a century in just 36 balls. This was followed by AB de Villiers in 2015, who set a new benchmark by reaching a century in a mere 31 balls. While Anderson's innings featured a remarkable 131* with 14 sixes and six fours, de Villiers' electrifying performance resulted in a stunning 149, adorned with an incredible 16 sixes and nine fours. Despite these impressive statistics, Afridi's innings remain a historical landmark, accentuated by the unique choice of a bat-bearing Sachin Tendulkar's cricketing prowess.
As the records tumbled and new stars emerged, cricket enthusiasts continue to revisit that October day in 1996 when Afridi, armed with Tendulkar's magic wand, crafted an innings that transcended boundaries and eternally connected two cricketing legends across borders. The echoes of Afridi's lightning hundred, fueled by the enchantment of Tendulkar's bat, continue to resonate in the hearts of cricket aficionados worldwide.
