Shahid Afridi's All-Time XI

Shahid Afridi, former Pakistan all-rounder, one of the greatest of all time has been known for his power hitting with the bat and leg-break bowling skills. However, he started his career as a batsman and came into limelight after smashing 37-ball hundred against Sri Lanka early in his career.

In his glorious career, Afridi played 523 International matches and came across some legendary cricketers who made a mark for their national team in their respective careers. Thus when he was picking his All-time XI the Boom Boom man had a lot of quality options.

In his All-time XI, Afridi has picked four Australian players, two Pakistanis, two West Indians and one each from India, Sri Lanka and South Africa.

Batsmen

To start with, Afridi picked the right and left-hand combination. He chose Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar and Adam Gilchrist as the openers in his XI. At three comes Australian legend Ricky Ponting, known as the greatest Australian batsman after the immortal Don Bradman.

At four comes Brian Lara who is reckoned as one of the greatest to have played the gentleman’s game. Inzamam-ul-Haq, with whom Afridi played most of his cricket takes up the number five position. Kumar Sangakkara grabs the number six spot in the side as he is the second highest scorers in Test cricket.

The role of finisher has been rightfully awarded to Jacque Kallis who had won matches for his side single-handedly with the bat and made important contributions with the ball as well. He went on being one of the greatest all-rounders of all time.

Bowlers:

A good bowling attack can be more lethal than a power packed batting line up and Afridi did just that by choosing some of the exceptionally talented bowlers. His bowling combination is that of pace and swing with Wasim Akram, Glenn McGrath and Courtney Walsh.

For number 8 slot, he chose a familiar face in his country and heart of death bowling, Wasim Akram. The only spinner to make it into the side is Australian spinner, Shane Warne. The tenth and eleventh slots have been occupied by Australian and West Indian in the form of McGrath and Walsh.

All-time XI:

Sachin Tendulkar, Adam Gilchrist, Ricky Pointing, Brain Lara, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Kumar Sangakkara, Jacques Kallis, Wasim Akram, Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Courtney Walsh.