Born on 31 March 1983, Hashim Amla became a South African cricket icon, leading the team in Tests and ODIs. He shattered records, becoming the quickest player to amass 3,000, 4,000, 6,000, and 7,000 ODI runs.
Remarkably, he was the second swiftest to 5,000 runs. Additionally, Amla set the pace by being the fastest to reach 10 ODI centuries.
Fans and critics alike celebrate him as one of South Africa’s finest batsmen and a top-notch opening batsman in cricket history.
Key Takeaways
Hide- Record-Breaking Batsman: Amla shattered records, becoming the fastest to several ODI run milestones and notching up centuries at a record pace.
- Test Match Legend: His unbeaten 311 against England stands as South Africa's highest individual Test score.
- Leadership and Skill: Amla's captaincy and batting prowess were instrumental in South Africa's cricketing successes, leaving behind a legacy of leadership.
- Global Cricket Star: Beyond domestic success, Amla showcased his talent in international leagues, including the IPL and CPL, proving his versatility across formats.
- Role Model: Born in Durban with a deep devotion to Islam, Amla's journey from local talent to international cricket icon inspires many young cricketers.
- Mentorship Role: Even after his retirement, Amla contributed to the sport by mentoring teams, sharing his vast experience and knowledge.
- Fond Farewell: Announcing his retirement in 2019 and leaving all forms of cricket in 2023, Amla's departure marked the end of an era but left a lasting legacy.
Hashim Amla: The Pride of Durban
Born amidst the bustling streets of Durban, Hashim Amla carries a profound devotion to Islam. With roots tracing back to Surat, India, his family’s journey to South Africa in 1927 painted a vibrant backdrop for his upbringing.
Raised in a home that valued modesty and hard work, Amla found himself at Durban High School. Here, he walked the same halls as cricket legends Lance Klusener and Barry Richards.
His brother, Ahmed Amla, blazed a trail on the cricket field, setting the stage for Hashim’s own foray into professional cricket.
Their paths intertwined at the KwaZulu-Natal Dolphins, marking a memorable chapter in their careers.
Hashim’s personal life blossomed when he wed Sumaiyah, and together they welcomed two children into their world.
Hashim Amla’s Rise Through the Ranks
Hashim Amla’s cricket journey kicked off with a bang at Durban High School, quickly making waves on the youth circuit. His exceptional talent didn’t go unnoticed, earning him a spot on the KwaZulu-Natal Dolphins team.
Amla’s leadership skills shone brightly as he captained South Africa to the finals of the 2002 Under-19 Cricket World Cup in New Zealand.
Hylton Ackerman, a titan in cricket coaching, spotted Amla’s potential early on. Under Ackerman’s guidance, Amla’s skills flourished, paving the way for his captaincy of KwaZulu-Natal at just 21.
His journey took a new turn in 2013 when he moved to the Cape Cobras, further solidifying his reputation as a future leader of South African cricket.
Caribbean Premier League Chronicles: Hashim Amla’s Knight Riders Journey
Hashim Amla shone brightly for the Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League. He amassed 410 runs across 11 matches, boasting a strike rate of 126.54. His performances set the stage on fire, showcasing his prowess in the T20 format.
Record-Breaking Innings
A right-handed batsman, Amla holds the highest individual Test score for South Africa, an unbeaten 311 against England in London, July 2012.
His knack for breaking records didn’t stop there. He became the speediest cricketer to score 15 to 20 centuries in ODIs, achieving these milestones in a decreasing number of innings each time.
Amla’s prowess allowed him to score ODI centuries against all Test-playing nations, joining an elite group of only four individuals to accomplish this feat.
His exceptional performances earned him a spot among the Wisden Cricketers of the Year in 2013.
IPL Saga: Amla’s Kings XI Punjab Tenure
The Kings XI Punjab roped in Hashim Amla during the 2016 Indian Premier League, filling the void left by Shaun Marsh’s injury.
Amla quickly became a cornerstone of their batting lineup, scoring 577 runs in 16 matches. This tally included two stunning centuries and three fifties.
His outstanding contributions earned him a spot in the Cricbuzz IPL XI of the tournament. Surprisingly, despite his impressive run, Amla found no takers in the 2018 IPL auction.
Mzansi Super League Adventure: Amla Joins Durban Heat
In October 2018, Durban Heat welcomed Hashim Amla into their squad for the Mzansi Super League’s inaugural edition.
This move marked another exciting chapter in Amla’s T20 franchise career, adding to his rich tapestry of cricketing exploits.
Mentorship Role: Amla’s Peshawar Zalmi Journey
Just before the 2020 Pakistan Super League season kicked off, Hashim Amla stepped in as the batting mentor for Peshawar Zalmi, replacing Younus Khan.
His guidance and experience were set to enrich the team’s batting strategies and performance.
Western Province Comeback: Amla’s 2021 Season
April 2021 saw Hashim Amla named in the Western Province squad, signaling his readiness for the 2021–22 cricket season in South Africa.
This inclusion highlighted his ongoing commitment to excelling in cricket, whether on the field or as a mentor off it.
Hashim Amla’s International Debut
Starting with a bang, Hashim Amla captained the Dolphins, hitting four centuries early in the 2004-2005 season.
His domestic success and A-team performances earned him a spot on South Africa’s 2004 Africa tour at 21, making history as the first South African of Indian descent to play international cricket.
Despite a rocky start in Kolkata in November 2004 and criticism over his technique, Amla refined his skills and silenced critics by 2006 with a pivotal 149 against New Zealand.
International Breakthrough
Amla solidified his spot as South Africa’s No. 3, amassing 1,599 runs at an impressive average of 57.10 in 19 Tests.
March 2008 saw him score an unbeaten 159 against India, leading to a year where he scored over 1,000 runs, including key performances against top cricketing nations.
His contributions were crucial in South Africa’s historic Test and ODI series wins in Australia in 2009.
County Stints and Climbing Ranks
Amla’s prowess extended to English county cricket, with stints at Essex, Nottinghamshire, Surrey, and Derbyshire between 2009 and 2015.
His time at Essex was marked by two centuries, including a debut 181, the highest by an Essex newcomer.
His performances against England in 2009-2010 and a stellar 2010 series in India, where he scored 253*, further elevated his status in international cricket.
Hashim Amla’s Pinnacle of Performance & Centurion Celebration
In 2015, Hashim Amla dazzled, clinching the man of the series against West Indies and hammering a century versus New Zealand.
By 2016, he had stepped down as captain, leaving behind a legacy of remarkable leadership and unparalleled skill.
Celebrating his 100th Test in 2017, Amla smashed a century, joining a select group of cricket legends. That same year, his selection for a World XI underscored his global cricketing prowess.
Milestones and Majestic Runs
Amla’s 2017 IPL season shone brightly with two centuries for Kings XI Punjab. Surpassing legends, he became the fastest to 25 ODI centuries. On January 19, 2018, he outstripped Virat Kohli, racing to 27 ODI centuries faster than anyone.
Alongside Quinton de Kock, Faf du Plessis, and AB de Villiers, Amla anchored South Africa’s batting, consistently churning out runs.
A Fond Farewell
On August 8, 2019, Amla announced his international retirement, concluding a storied career. He bid cricket a final farewell on January 18, 2023, leaving a legacy filled with sportsmanship, record-smashing feats, and inspirational moments.
His journey from a promising talent to a cricketing icon remains a beacon for aspiring players worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are some of Hashim Amla's significant cricketing records?
Hashim Amla is celebrated for being the fastest player to amass 3,000, 4,000, 6,000, and 7,000 ODI runs. He also holds the record for the quickest to reach 10 ODI centuries and is the second fastest to 5,000 runs.
What was a milestone moment in Hashim Amla's Test career?
A pinnacle moment in Amla’s Test career was scoring an unbeaten 311 against England in London in July 2012, marking the highest individual Test score for South Africa.
When did Hashim Amla retire from international cricket, and what did he do afterward?
Hashim Amla announced his retirement from international cricket on August 8, 2019. Following his retirement, he continued to influence cricket as a batting mentor, notably for Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League before bidding farewell to all forms of cricket on January 18, 2023.
