Pakistan’s Shoaib Malik becomes the first player to play 100 games in the T20 format

Shoaib Malik became the first-ever player to feature in 100 games in the T20 Format. Also, he became the first player to play 100 T20I games during the Zimbabwe Tri-series. The all-rounder achieved the feat in the game played against Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club in the second game of Zimbabwe Tri-series.

Malik has been leading run scorer for Pakistan in the T20 format since 2015. He scored 1107 runs in 39 innings at an average of 48.13 with four half-centuries to his name. He has been a consistent and bankable performer with the bat for Pakistan. Besides Shoaib Malik, all-rounder Shahid Afridi played 99 matches in the T20 format.

The 36-year-old made his T20 debut in 2006 which is also happened to be Pakistan first-ever game in the format. He has also been the captain of Pakistan T20 side and also led them to the final of inaugural T20 World Cup 2007 in South Africa. He also stated that he might retire after the upcoming World T20 that will be played in India in 2020.

Malik also became the first player from Pakistan to complete 2,000 runs in the T20 format. He also has 27 wickets to his name in the format. It is quite an achievement for a player whose international career spans almost two decades.

In Tests, Shoaib Malik has scored 1,898 runs at an average of 35.14 with three centuries to his name.  He does have an excellent record in limited-overs cricket with 6,975 runs in 261 games at an average of 35.22 with nine centuries to his name. Malik has picked up 154 wickets at an average of 38.65.

Shoaib Malik has played in various T20 Leagues across the globe. He has played in Indian Premier League for Delhi Daredevils and in Big Bash League as well. He has played for Warwickshire in England NatWest T20 Blast and also played for two different teams in the Bangladesh Premier League.