NAPIER: West Indies skipper Shai Hope became the first batter in cricket history to score a century against all eleven full-member cricketing sides.
As per details, the right-handed batter achieved the milestone with his blazing century in the five-wicket defeat against New Zealand in the second ODI here at McLean Park.
The unique record was earlier held by India’s batting legend Rahul Dravid, who scored Test centuries in all 10 Test-playing countries and against nine Test-playing nations.
On the other hand, Hope has also scored international centuries against Netherlands and Nepal, which makes him the only player in the history of cricket to score a ton against 13 teams, going past compatriot Chris Gayle and Sri Lanka’s Mahela Jayawardene, who amassed the milestone against 12 opposing sides.
Furthermore, Hope’s century against New Zealand in the second ODI meant he has now scored a ton against 12 teams in the shorter format and thus drew level with India’s Sachin Tendulkar, Australia’s Ricky Ponting, South Africa’s Hashim Amla, New Zealand’s Martin Guptill and compatriot Gayle.
Overall, it was Shai Hope’s 19th century in the format and thus, he equalled legendary Brian Lara’s record of the second-most ODI centuries for West Indies. Explosive left-handed batter Gayle leads the elusive list with 25 tons.
Earlier, Pakistan’s left-arm spinner Asif Afridi made history by becoming the oldest cricketer to take a five-wicket haul on Test debut.
He achieved the feat during day three of the second Test against South Africa at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Asif Afridi Breaks 92-Year-Old Record
Afridi, who is 38 years and 301 days old, surpassed England’s Charles Marriott, who held the record since 1933 at 37 years and 332 days.
Afridi dismissed Tristan Stubbs, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Kyle Verreynne, and Simon Harmer, giving Pakistan a strong position in the match.
Only four players above 35 years of age have ever taken a five-wicket haul on Test debut.
Besides Afridi and Marriott, the list includes Hines Johnson of the West Indies (1948) and DW Carr of England (1909).
Afridi is the only player to achieve this after turning 38.
Also read: Noman Ali Breaks the Legendary Abdul Qadir’s 37-year record
