Published: Jan 10, 2016, 10:08 PM (IST)
Edited: Jan 10, 2016, 11:00 PM (IST)
Mohammad Shahzad has become only the first batsman from Afghanistan to score over 1,000 runs in Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). Even among all the other associate countries he is the first one to achieve the prestigious milestone. He got to the landmark during the second T20I against Zimbabwe at Sharjah where Afghanistan are looking to close a fruitful series with another win to also pocket the T20 leg of the series. Shahzad is an opening batsman and has made a name for himself as an explosive hitter. In addition to his batting skills, he is also a wicket-keeper. UPDATES: Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 2015-16, 2nd T20I at Sharjah
Coming into this match against Zimbabwe, the 27-year-old required just seven runs to get to the milestone. He did not take much time to get to the mark obviously. In fact he brought up the mark with a six in the second over of the game of Tendai Chisoro. The portly batsman has been in fantastic form through the series and from the early looks of it he will continue in that fashion for the closing game. Live Cricket Scorecard: Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 2015-16, 2nd T20I at Sharjah
He has also been fairly consistent in the T20I format. His average of almost 28 runs per match is proof of that. But it is not his average that makes him so special but his strike-rate which is inching towards the 135 mark which is very impressive by all standards. Shahzad is the 21st batsman overall to bring up the mark and has become a torchbearer of sorts for the associate world. He seemed in good touch and had scored an unbeaten 30-ball 50 at the time of publishing.
