South African batsmen Hashim Amla was said to be the fastest cricketer in all formats of International cricket and participated in 349 international games achieving a total score of 18,672 runs, which also includes 55 centuries. He is the only batsmen in the team to score a triple hundred in the Test cricket. He is the fastest ever to reach 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000 and 7000 ODI runs.
He has started his international career in his teens and led South Africa at the Under-19 World Cup of 2002. He has impressed everyone with his captaincy for the Nashua Dolphins at the age of 21. The Test debut at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata during the 2004-05 tour of India brought a progression in his life.
In 2010, he was dismissed just once in two tests and ended up aggregating 490 runs in the series. He has topped the test rankings for batsmen with 192 in 2012. He was originally considered a misfit in the ODI format but could make a score of 8,113 runs at an average of 49.47. In both the years, 2010 and 2013, he was titled as South Africa Cricketer of the year.
He became South Africa’s captain, ahead of Sri Lanka tour, after Graeme Smith retirement. In 2014, He made a victory against Sri Lanka in his first test as Captain. For his performance in the bilateral series with winning century, he was taken into the World ODI XI by ICC. But, his poor runs made him leave the post midway through the home series against England in 2016, which he did after smashing a double hundred in Cape Town.
There were doubts if he would ever play the 2019 World Cup given his declined returns. He was into the squad but couldn’t make it to the finals. Amla managed just 203 runs from seven innings at an average of 40.60 and a strike-rate of 65.
Amla has announced his retirement on 8 August 2019 from all the formats of cricket. Despite his retirement, he will be available for domestic cricket as well as the Mzansi Super League.
“Firstly, all glory and thanks to the Almighty for granting me this Proteas journey which has been nothing but joy and privilege. I learned many lessons during this incredible ride, made many friends and most importantly shared in the love of a brotherhood called Protea Fire.” – Amla said.
“I would like to thank my parents for their prayers, love and support, it is their shadow over me that enabled me to play for years under the Protea sun.” – Amla added.
“Also, my family, friends, and agent, my teammates and every member of the support staff throughout this incredible journey. A heartfelt thank you to every one of you. The fans for energizing me when times were tough, and for celebrating with me when we succeeded together. Siyabonga South Africa! Love and peace.” – Amla said.
The Cricket South Africa’s Chief Executive Thabang speaking on Amla said he is the true legend of the game.
“It is always sad to bid farewell to one of the true legends of the game. But at the same time this is rather an occasion to celebrate the richness that Hashim has brought to the game around the world both on and off the field. His humility has always been his standout quality and I cannot imagine a better role model to teach us all how to lead better lives. He has added great value not only to the Proteas but to the country at large.” – CSA Chief Executive Thabang Moroe said.
“I am sure cricket players, administrators, the media and fans from around the world will join the CSA Family in congratulating Hashim on a job well done and to wish him all the best for the future.” – Thabang Moroe added.
