South African cricketer Hashim Amla has announced his international cricket retirement on Thursday (8th August). He was one of the greatest batsmen in South African cricket history.
The 36-year-old Hashim Amla has announced his retirement from international cricket after successfully serving for South Africa for around 15 years. The right-handed batsman has finished as the third most run-scorer for South Africa in international cricket.
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After playing 349 international matches, he scored 18,672 runs with an average of 46.56. He scored 88 half-centuries and 19 centuries in the international career. Apart from South Africa, he also played three T20Is for ICC World XI in 2017. He also took 213 catches in the international career, which is the fourth most international catches for South Africa as a non-wicketkeeper.
Amla thanked everyone for supporting him in this entire journey.
He 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.
“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.”
However, Hashim Amla will continue his domestic career. Just a few days ago, South African fast bowler Dale Steyn announced his retirement from Test cricket.
Hashim Amla achieved success in every format
Amla made his international debut during the away Test series against the hosts India in November 2004. In the Test career, Amla scored 9,282 runs in 124 Tests (average 46.64). Among the South African players, only Jacques Kallis (13,206 runs) scored more Test runs than Amla.
The right-handed batsman Amla scored 28 centuries and 41 half-centuries in Test career. He is the only South African batsman to hit a triple-century in Test cricket. In July 2012, during The Oval Test, Amla scored 311* in the second innings against the hosts England.
In ODI career, Amla scored 8,113 runs in 181 matches (average 49.46) after making his debut in March 2008. He is the third most ODI run-scorer for South Africa as Jacques Kallis (11,550 runs) and AB de Villiers (9,427 runs) are on the top two positions. Amla is the leader of most ODI century list for South Africa as he hit 27 ODI centuries. Moreover, the right-handed batsman also scored 39 ODI half-centuries. His best ODI knock was 159 runs against Ireland at Canberra on 3rd March 2015.
In ODI history, Amla is the fastest to reach 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, and 7000 runs.
Amla played three Cricket World Cups (2011, 2015 and 2019). In the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, South Africa reached in the semi-final.
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Hashim Amla made his T20I debut in January 2009 and played 44 T20Is where he scored 1,277 runs with an average of 33.60. He scored eight T20I half-centuries, including his best 97* against Australia at Cape Town on 9th March 2016.
Amla featured in three ICC World T20s (2012, 2014 and 2016), including South Africa’s semi-final journey in the ICC World T20 2014.