First international hundred in six years of Shoaib Malik, who helped Pakistan overwhelm Zimbabwe in an ODI highest score in Lahore, his wife thrilled tennis star Sania Mirza. Malik eighth ODI hundred – off just 70 balls – helped the hosts build a daunting 375 for three. In reply, Zimbabwe ended 41 sprints.
Malik, a former captain of Pakistan last played an ODI back in June 2013 during the Champions Trophy against India. Sidelined since then, the 33-year-old was desperate to impress the national selectors as Sania went from strength to strength, winning tennis titles worldwide.
Mirza did not hide his joy as her husband made a remarkable comeback. He had managed 14 runs in the two International T20 that preceded the one-dayers and stunning 112 76 undoubtedly be a silver lining. Indian tennis queen took to Twitter to express their great happiness.
Pakistan is hosting its first international standard in the country since the 2009 terrorist attacks on the Sri Lanka team. They won the T20 series 2-0 and lead the three-match ODI series 1-0.
Malik has supported Mirza blossoming tennis career and has taken itself to Twitter to congratulate his wife on their recent run of success.
Malik, playing his first one day after two years, notched 76-ball 112 with 12 fours and two sixes to lead Pakistan to 375-3 – its highest level against Zimbabwe – before the restriction tourists to 334-5 in 50 overs at Gaddafi Stadium.
Former cricket captain has also been supportive of the achievements of his wife and said he was proud of his wife Sania Mirza had become better tennis player ranked doubles world, adding that it was an honor for both countries.
Mirza, 28, became the first Indian woman to achieve the feat after winning the title of Charleston on Sunday, while the association with the Swiss star Martina Hingis.
“I am very proud and overwhelmed with joy,” Malik told AFP. “It’s a source of pride for Pakistan as she is my wife and, of course, she is from India and representing their nation with the determination of 100 percent to be the best.”
Cricketer played an ODI final round in June 2013 during the Champions Trophy against India.
Earlier, Malik scored his first century since his three-figure knock against India at Centurion in September 2009.
Malik built on confidence-term support opening 170 between Mohammad Hafeez (86) and captain Azhar Ali (79) as Pakistan improved on his previous best total of 349 against Zimbabwe in Jamaica in 2007.
Malik hundred – his first in 31 innings and since September 2009 – came from 70 balls as Pakistan added 112 in the last 10 overs.
