Sri Lanka paceman Lasith Malinga Sunday became the highest wicket-taker in Twenty20 internationals with his 99th scalp in the first match against New Zealand, surpassing Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi.
Malinga, who retired from Test cricket in 2011 and played his farewell one-day international in July, bowled Colin Munro in the first over of the New Zealand chase to equal Afridi’s record of 98 wickets.
Lasith Malinga goes past Shahid Afridi's tally of 98 scalps to top the wicket-takers' chart in T20Is
Champion stuff👑👑#SLvsNZ pic.twitter.com/LoYoStsIUt
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) September 1, 2019
The 36-year-old then cleaned up Colin de Grandhomme, for 44, to achieve the feat in his 74th T20 match of his illustrious career.
Afridi, a leg-spinner who also captained Pakistan, played 99 T20 matches.
But Malinga’s effort was not enough as Ross Taylor struck 48 off 29 deliveries to help New Zealand win by five wickets and lead the three-match series 1-0.
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Malinga returned figures of 2-23 from his four overs.
The veteran speedster gave away just eight runs from his first three overs but his fourth and the 19th of the innings cost 15 runs to let the Black Caps slip away with the game.
Malinga, known for bowling yorkers with his slinging action, made his T20 debut against England in 2006.
He has 101 wickets from 30 Tests and 338 scalps in 226 ODI games.
GVS Input: Pakistan Cricket
Pakistan’s bowling attack has always been ‘Fearsome’ and Pakistani cricket has produced legends like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis & a new inclusion to the list, Muhammad Amir.
Shahid Afridi also held the record for the fastest century, on 37 balls, which is now held by South Africa’s AB de Villiers.
Lasith Malinga has now taken more wickets than anyone in T20 internationals, and he's got the number of wickets on the back of his shirt#SLvNZ https://t.co/GqbAOoOi6b pic.twitter.com/0KYSSGpui1
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) September 1, 2019
Lasith Malinga’s fast legacy is yet to trump Shoaib Akhtar, also known as Rawalpindi Express, who still holds the record of the fastest ball ever bowled. Pakistan Cricket has seen some shining moments of passion and glory.
Cricket fans still excite at the news of a new series especially if it is with India. Fans still cherish the memories of Champions Trophy win. Pakistan’s passion for cricket expands with every passing day.
AFP with additional input BY GVS news desk