Considered one of the most thrilling world-cricketers to hit the big sixes and play almost everything aggressively, Shahid Afridi’s most famous moment would undoubtedly be his fastest century ever in the 1996 One Day International against Sri Lanka. Did you know he did it with the bat of another player? Let’s find out whose bat Afridi used and how that day changed his life.
The Record-Breaking Century
On October 4, 1996, Afridi participated in only his second ODI game. He made a century (100 runs) off 37 balls against Sri Lanka in Nairobi, Kenya. It was the quickest century in ODI cricket history until then, and it shook the cricket world.
Afridi Used Sachin Tendulkar’s Bat
Yes, it’s true! Afridi used Indian cricket great Sachin Tendulkar’s bat to record his quickest hundred.
How Did Afridi Get Sachin’s Bat?
Before the game, Waqar Younis, a senior member of the Pakistan team, took a bat from Sachin Tendulkar on loan. Waqar gave that bat to young Afridi to use in the match — and the rest is history.
Why Was This Century So Special?
Here’s what made Afridi’s innings so amazing:
- He scored 100 runs in just 37 balls
- He hit 11 sixes and 6 fours
- He was only 16 years old
- He used a bat borrowed from a player on the opposite team
How Did Sachin React?
Many years later, both Afridi and Tendulkar confirmed this story in interviews. Sachin was happy that his bat was part of a historic moment, even if it helped a rival team. It showed the good friendship and respect between the players.
This Century Changed Afridi’s Life
After that match, people started calling him “Boom Boom Afridi”.His aggressive big-hitting manner made him popular with the crowd, and this one innings began a wonderful career.
Conclusion
Shahid Afridi’s fastest century is one of the most exciting moments in cricket history. But the fact that he scored it using Sachin Tendulkar’s bat makes it even more special. This tale reminds us that cricket is not only runs and records — it’s also about friendship, respect, and serendipity.
