Cricket has evolved significantly, with the introduction of different formats challenging players to adapt their skills across Test cricket, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). Only a select few have managed to excel in all three, achieving the remarkable feat of taking over 100 wickets in each format. This article highlights four such bowlers who have left an indelible mark on the game with their versatility and prowess: Lasith Malinga, Shakib Al Hasan, Tim Southee, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Lasith Malinga:
Lasith Malinga, the Sri Lankan slinger, redefined fast bowling with his unique round-arm action. His career, spanning from 2004 to 2020, saw him accumulate 548 wickets across formats. In Tests, Malinga took 101 wickets, showcasing his ability to adapt from his more renowned limited-overs exploits. His ODI record is phenomenal, with 338 wickets, making him one of the most lethal bowlers in the format, especially with his toe-crushing yorkers. In T20Is, he secured 107 wickets, cementing his status as a pioneer of T20 bowling. Malinga’s ability to bowl effectively at different stages of the game, particularly in the death overs, has made him a legend in the sport.
Shakib Al Hasan:
Shakib Al Hasan, the Bangladeshi all-rounder, is a rare talent whose contribution to cricket goes beyond just bowling. His bowling figures are impressive, with 712 wickets in total – 246 in Tests, 317 in ODIs, and 149 in T20Is. Shakib’s left-arm orthodox spin combined with his control over line and length has made him a wicket-taker in all conditions. His understanding of the game, combined with his ability to bowl long spells in Tests or short, sharp bursts in T20s, showcases his adaptability. This versatility has made him one of the most valuable players in cricket history.
Tim Southee:
Tim Southee, the New Zealand seamer, has been a consistent performer across all formats. With 747 wickets, his breakdown includes 389 in Tests, 221 in ODIs, and 164 in T20Is. Southee’s ability to swing the ball, especially with his outswinger, has troubled batsmen worldwide. His skill in varying his pace and using the new ball effectively in Tests, while adapting to the demands of limited-overs cricket with his death bowling, underscores his mastery over the art of bowling. His longevity in the sport is a testament to his skill, fitness, and cricketing intelligence.
Shaheen Shah Afridi:
The youngest in this elite group, Shaheen Shah Afridi from Pakistan, has shown prodigious talent with 325 wickets – 116 in Tests, 112 in ODIs, and exactly 100 in T20Is. Afridi’s left-arm pace, combined with his ability to generate swing and bounce, has made him a formidable bowler in all formats. His early success, particularly in T20 cricket, has been remarkable, with his ability to take wickets in the powerplay and at the death. Afridi’s potential to grow further and add to his tally makes him an exciting prospect for the future of cricket.
The achievements of Lasith Malinga, Shakib Al Hasan, Tim Southee, and Shaheen Shah Afridi in taking over 100 wickets in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is highlight their exceptional skill sets and adaptability across cricket’s varied formats. These bowlers have not only dominated in their respective eras but have also set benchmarks for future generations. Their legacies in cricket are defined not just by their wickets but by their ability to evolve with the game, contributing significantly to their teams’ successes in each format. This quartet stands as a testament to the all-encompassing nature of modern cricket, where versatility is as celebrated as specialization.
