Adelaide: Misbah-ul-Haq and Shahid Afridi left behind many unfulfilled dreams in their successful careers as they bowed out of one-day international cricket after Pakistan crashed to a six-wicket loss to Australia in the quarterfinals of the World Cup here on Friday.
The duo had called time on their respective ODI careers before the 50-over showpiece event. While Misbah may continue to play in Tests, Afridi will feature only in T20 cricket.
The 40-year-old Misbah served Pakistan cricket for long but failed to register a single ODI ton in 162 matches since making his international debut in 2001 in a Test match against New Zealand.
Thank you for the ODI memories Misbah! #ThankYouMisbah pic.twitter.com/isHkk26flQ
— ICC (@ICC) March 20, 2015An unflappable middle-order mainstay, Misbah has 42 ODI half-centuries to his credit but doesn't have a single 50-over ton under his belt. He has accumulated 5,122 runs — the most runs by any player in ODIs without a ton.
The captain managed 34 in Pakistan's disappointing 213 all out against Australia in the last-eight game at the Adelaide Oval.
Afridi, who shot to fame with a then fastest 37-ball hundred against Sri Lanka in his debut ODI series in 1996, became famous as 'boom boom' who blew away any opposition with his attacking batting.
(Shahid Afridi and Shane Watson shake hands post Australia's win, Photo: AP)
The 35-year-old all-rounder, also came in handy with his quickish leg-spinners, played 398 ODIs to manage 8,064 runs and 395 wickets.
Thank you for the ODI memories Boom Boom! #ThankYouAfridi pic.twitter.com/BWnnYvfr2B
— ICC (@ICC) March 20, 2015Afridi also captained the side in the 2011 World Cup, in which Pakistan lost to eventual champions India in the semi-finals at Mohali. The flamboyant right-hander will also be remembered for his striking good looks and a steady stream of female fans around the world.
