10,000 Runs and 500 Wickets: Legendary All-Rounders with Legendary Milestone

2024-08-16

In the world of cricket, all-rounders are often considered the ultimate game-changers. Achieving milestones that reflect excellence in both disciplines is a rare feat, and only a select few all-rounders have reached the remarkable thresholds of 10,000 runs and 500 wickets in international cricket. Here’s a look at three legendary all-rounders who have achieved this extraordinary milestone and what makes their records so special.

Jacques Kallis

Jacques Kallis is celebrated as one of the greatest all-rounders ever. His career spanned 519 international matches, during which he amassed a staggering 25,534 runs across all formats. His impressive tally includes 62 centuries and 149 half-centuries, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure and provide stability to his team.

Kallis’s bowling was equally potent. Jacques Kallis racked up 577 wickets at an average of 32.14, with seven five-wicket hauls, making him the cricketing equivalent of a wicket-snatching machine with an unlimited supply of spare parts. In Test cricket, his numbers are legendary: 13,289 runs at an average of 55.37 and 292 wickets at 32.65. In ODIs, he scored 11,579 runs at 44.36 and took 273 wickets at 31.79. Even in T20Is, he contributed 666 runs and 12 wickets. Kallis's versatility and consistency make him a true legend of the game.

Shakib Al Hasan

Shakib Al Hasan is a shining star in the cricketing world, representing Bangladesh with distinction. His career, spanning 443 international matches, has seen him accumulate 14,626 runs and 703 wickets. Shakib’s all-round capabilities are reflected in his performance across formats. He’s amassed 4,505 runs and snatched 237 wickets in Test cricket, boasting averages of 38.83 with the bat and 31.16 with the ball.

In ODIs, Shakib has been a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s success, scoring 7,570 runs at 37.29 and claiming 317 wickets at 29.52. His T20I career includes 2,551 runs and 149 wickets, with impressive figures of 20.91 with the ball. Shakib’s ability to dominate in all formats makes him one of the most complete all-rounders in modern cricket.

Shahid Afridi

Shahid Afridi, known for his explosive batting and aggressive bowling, is another all-rounder who has left an indelible mark on the game. Over his 524-match international career, Afridi scored 11,196 runs and took 541 wickets. His batting, characterized by its aggressive style, resulted in 11 centuries and 51 fifties, while his leg-spin bowling earned him 10 five-wicket hauls.

Afridi’s Test career saw him score 1,716 runs at 36.51 and take 48 wickets. In ODIs, his tally includes 8,064 runs at a strike rate of 117 and 395 wickets. His T20I numbers are equally remarkable, with 1,416 runs at a strike rate of 150 and 98 wickets. Afridi’s flair and dynamism made him a fan favorite and a crucial player for Pakistan.

Achieving the milestones of 10,000 runs and 500 wickets is a testament to an all-rounder’s extraordinary skill and consistency. Jacques Kallis, Shakib Al Hasan, and Shahid Afridi have not only achieved these impressive figures but have also redefined what it means to be a true all-rounder in cricket.