Former South African fast bowler Wayne Parnell has named his all-time ODI XI, and three Pakistan cricket legends have earned a place in his dream team. The selection features the fiery pace duo of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, along with all-rounder Shahid Afridi, showcasing Pakistan’s enduring impact on the one-day format.
Pakistan’s Icons in the Line-Up
Parnell, known for his skill with the ball and recent success in the World Championship of Legends (WCL), reserved special praise for Pakistan’s contributions to ODI cricket.
Wasim Akram, often called the “Sultan of Swing,” takes his place as a strike bowler. His lethal swing and reverse swing revolutionized fast bowling. Partnering him is Waqar Younis, renowned for his devastating yorkers and raw pace, forming one of the most feared new-ball partnerships in history.
Shahid Afridi, the only all-rounder in Parnell’s XI, adds explosive batting and match-winning leg-spin. Afridi’s ability to turn games with either bat or ball made him an obvious choice for the South African pacer.
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Dhoni Leads the Dream Team
Parnell handed the captaincy and wicketkeeping duties to India’s MS Dhoni. Known for his calm leadership and finishing ability, Dhoni’s presence provides stability to a star-studded side. His record as a strategist and his ability to guide teams through pressure situations made him Parnell’s undisputed choice for skipper.
Opening Pair of Class and Consistency
At the top of the order, Parnell selected two run machines. Sachin Tendulkar, India’s “Little Master,” brings unmatched experience and records, with more than 18,000 ODI runs.
Alongside him is South Africa’s Hashim Amla, a technically sound batsman who accumulated runs with elegance and composure. The pairing promises both aggression and steadiness — a blend every great ODI side needs.
Power at Number Three
Virat Kohli, one of modern cricket’s most prolific batsmen, occupies the number three position. Known for chasing targets with remarkable precision, Kohli brings unmatched consistency to the batting order. His ability to rotate strike and accelerate when needed makes him vital in Parnell’s line-up.
Middle-Order Firepower
South Africa’s AB de Villiers slots in at number four. A master of innovation, “Mr. 360” could dismantle any bowling attack with his wide range of strokes.
Following him is Australia’s Michael Hussey, nicknamed “Mr. Cricket” for his reliability and match awareness. Hussey’s knack for building partnerships and finishing games strengthens the middle order, ensuring depth in both defense and attack.
All-Round Balance with Afridi
Shahid Afridi brings balance to the team. His aggressive batting style can change the course of a match in a matter of overs, while his leg-spin offers a wicket-taking option in the middle overs.
Parnell’s inclusion of Afridi as the lone all-rounder underlines the Pakistani star’s unique ability to influence matches in multiple roles.
A Fearsome Bowling Attack
Parnell’s bowling unit is built for variety and impact. Wasim Akram leads the pace attack, supported by Waqar Younis and Australian speedster Brett Lee. Lee’s express pace complements Akram’s movement and Waqar’s precision, creating a lethal trio.
For spin, Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan joins Afridi. Muralitharan’s record-breaking wicket tally and mastery of spin make him a constant threat, especially in subcontinent conditions.
A Balanced and Dangerous XI
Parnell’s all-time XI combines flair, consistency, and match-winning ability. The batting order is anchored by legends who dominated different eras, while the bowling attack blends pace and spin to handle any opposition.
By including three Pakistani greats, Parnell has acknowledged the nation’s unmatched contribution to ODI cricket. The combination of Wasim Akram’s swing, Waqar Younis’s yorkers, and Shahid Afridi’s all-round magic ensures this team could challenge any side in history.
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