Whose Bat Did Shahid Afridi Use to Score His Fastest Century?

Introduction

Shahid Afridi, often known as “Boom Boom” Afridi, is one of the most explosive cricketers the world has ever seen. His record-breaking century in 1996 against Sri Lanka not only catapulted him into the international spotlight but also etched his name in cricket history books for years. However, what many fans don’t know is that this iconic century was scored not with his own bat—but with a borrowed one. So, whose bat did Shahid Afridi use to score his fastest century?

The answer is both surprising and fascinating: he used the bat of Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar.

The Context: Shahid Afridi’s Record-Breaking Century

In October 1996, Shahid Afridi, then just 16 years old (although there has been some debate about his actual age), was called up to the Pakistan national team during a tour in Kenya and Sri Lanka. During the Coca-Cola Tri-Nation Series in Nairobi, Kenya, Pakistan faced Sri Lanka in a pivotal match.

Afridi, playing in only his second One Day International (ODI), stunned the world by smashing a century off just 37 balls—the fastest ODI century at that time. He hit 11 sixes and 6 fours, scoring 102 runs in a whirlwind innings that remains one of the most iconic moments in cricket.

The Bat That Made History

Now comes the interesting part: Shahid Afridi did not use his own bat to score this unforgettable hundred.

Whose Bat Was It?

The bat belonged to none other than Sachin Tendulkar, the Indian cricketing maestro. The bat had been lent to Waqar Younis, the Pakistani fast bowling legend, by Tendulkar himself. Waqar, who was a friend and admirer of Tendulkar, had received the bat as a goodwill gesture or for experimental use.

When Shahid Afridi was preparing to bat in the match against Sri Lanka, Waqar Younis handed him Sachin’s bat, possibly because it had a broader blade and better power. Afridi, known for his raw hitting ability even at that young age, gladly took the bat—and the rest is history.

Why Was He Using Someone Else’s Bat?

Shahid Afridi was new to the team and did not have a fully prepared kit of his own. It’s not unusual for young or replacement players to borrow gear from their teammates. However, it’s incredibly rare that such a borrowed piece of equipment becomes part of cricket folklore.

The fact that the bat was not just any bat, but one that belonged to Sachin Tendulkar, adds a special layer of intrigue and irony—given the intense India-Pakistan cricket rivalry.

Impact on Cricket History

Afridi’s record stood for more than 17 years until Corey Anderson of New Zealand broke it in 2014 with a 36-ball century against the West Indies. Eventually, AB de Villiers shattered that mark in 2015 with a 31-ball century. But Afridi’s 37-ball hundred was the first of its kind and changed the expectations around scoring rates in ODIs.

This innings also launched Afridi’s image as a flamboyant, fearless cricketer, though ironically, he never scored another century that quickly again. That bat, that moment, and that innings continue to be a cornerstone of Pakistan cricket lore.

The Tendulkar-Afridi Connection

Sachin Tendulkar himself has acknowledged the story in interviews. Though there are no hard official records about Tendulkar gifting that bat specifically for Afridi’s use, the oral and anecdotal confirmations from players like Waqar Younis and Afridi himself have made this tale legendary.

It’s a rare instance in cricket where a player from one arch-rival country unknowingly contributed to a record-breaking performance by a player from the opposing side.

Legacy of the Century

Afridi’s innings with Tendulkar’s bat didn’t just break records—it redefined the role of aggression in ODI cricket. Prior to that, quick centuries were seen as outliers. Post-Afridi, teams began to value players who could score at breakneck speeds.

• 11 sixes in an innings became a new benchmark.
• It set the stage for Afridi’s own legacy as a six-hitter.
• The use of a rival player’s bat became an iconic anecdote in cricket trivia.

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Conclusion

To answer the burning question: Shahid Afridi scored his fastest century using a bat that belonged to Sachin Tendulkar, borrowed via Waqar Younis.

This astonishing piece of cricket trivia adds charm to an already magical performance. It’s a reminder of how shared respect, camaraderie, and chance can combine to produce historic sporting moments. Afridi’s 37-ball century remains etched in memory—not just for the sheer carnage it unleashed, but also for the bat that helped unleash it.