Pakistan’s opener, Abdullah Shafique, set an unfortunate record as the first opener to be dismissed for a duck in every match of an ODI series.
During the three-match series against South Africa, Shafique failed to score in any match, resulting in a particularly tough period. Shafique set an unfortunate record as the Pakistani opener with the most international ducks in a calendar year.
In 2024, Shafique was dismissed for zero seven times across 21 innings, breaking previous records set by Imran Nazir, who had six ducks in 32 innings in 2000, and Mohammad Hafeez, with six in 43 in 2012. The global record for the most ducks in a calendar year by an opener is eight, shared by South Africa’s Herschelle Gibbs (2002) and Sri Lanka’s Tillakaratne Dilshan (2012).
Three ducks in a row for Abdullah Shafique! 😳 🦆 pic.twitter.com/SIjDCjONwj
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) December 22, 2024Shafique’s string of zero scores has ignited discussions about his role in Pakistan’s team, especially with the ICC Champions Trophy approaching, which Pakistan will host.
Read: Shafique’s World Cup Debut Century: A New Record for Pakistan
Meanwhile, Pakistan secured a historic ODI series whitewash against South Africa, winning 36 runs in the final match at Wanderers Stadium, Sandton. South Africa, chasing a target of 309 runs in 47 overs, ended at 271 despite Heinrich Klaasen’s spirited 81 off 43 balls. Other contributions included Corbin Bosch’s 40, Rassie van der Dussen’s 35, and Marco Jansen’s 26.
Saim Ayub stood out, earning both Player of the Match and Player of the Series for his exceptional contributions.
