ICC World Cup 2023: Shaheen Shah Afridi equals Wasim Akram’s record

WEB DESK: Pakistan’s left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi has equalled the legendary cricketer Wasim Akram’s record by securing the highest number of wickets for Pakistan in a single World Cup edition.

Afridi equalled Akram’s world record during the 44th match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 against England at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, where he claimed figures of 2/72 from his allotted 10 overs.

In the 2023 World Cup, Shaheen Shah Afridi has secured 18 wickets at an average of 19.38 from nine matches. This accomplishment has led him to share the top spot with Wasim Akram (18 wickets in 1992) as the joint-highest wicket-taker by a pacer for Pakistan in a single World Cup edition.

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In the broader context, Shaheen now holds the joint-second-highest position for most wickets in a World Cup for Pakistan. 

The title of the highest wicket-taker from Pakistan in a single World Cup edition belongs to the former spinner Shahid Afridi, who secured an impressive 21 wickets in the 2011 tournament.