Hashim Amla retires: Here are 5 memorable knocks of South Africa's veteran
Mumbai: South African batsman Hashim Amla on Thursday announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket.
Amla played international cricket for almost 15 years. He went on to represent Proteas in 349 matches across all formats. He went on to make 18,000 runs including 55 centuries and 88 fifty-plus scores across all formats of the game.
Amla was also named as the Proteas cricketer of the year in 2010 and 2013.
He played 124 Tests for South Africa, scoring 9282 runs in them at an average of 46.41. He went on to represent Proteas in 181 ODIs and he was able to amass 8113 runs in the format.
Here are some of the most memorable knocks of the 36-year-old for South Africa.
1) 311* Against England, 2012
Amla is the only South African to have scored a triple century in the Test format. He arrived at the crease when the Proteas were at 1/1. Amla's unbeaten knock of 311 runs helped South Africa to post a mammoth total of 637 on the board. South Africa eventually won the match to record a memorable 2-0 Test series victory against England.
2) 119* Against Pakistan, 2010
Amla's one of the finest knock was against the likes of Shoaib Akhtar, Wahab Riaz and Saeed Ajmal, who wrecked South Africa's batting line-up. Only five Protea batsman – including Amla – could cross double figures in the match. Amla's unbeaten knock of 119 runs was crucial as the Proteas went on to clinch the game by two runs.
3) 123* Against India, 2010
The 36-year-old had already hit a century in the first innings of the India vs South Africa Test match at Eden Gardens. But it was Amla's century in the second innings which showcased his temperament. India had amassed over 600 runs and the only motive for the Proteas was to save the Test match. Amla remained not out on 123 runs when the final wicket Morne Morkel was dismissed. South Africa lost by an innings but Amla's innings had already got instilled in every fan's mind.
4) 201 Against England, 2016
Amla's double century against England was one of the finest knocks of the right-hander. England batted first and through Ben Stokes’ double century declared at 629. The Proteas retaliated through Amla's double ton. Amla and Temba Bavuma registered a 280-run partnership, paved way for the game to end in a draw. Amla's century under that pressure will always be remembered.
5) 201 Against England, 2016
Amla stole the show in Ricky Ponting's farewell game by steering South Africa to a famous Test triumph. Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers hit centuries in a low-scoring game. Amla scored 196 and South Africa won by 309 runs.
Amla still holds the record of being the fastest batsman to complete 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000 and 7000 ODI international runs. He is also the fastest player to hit 8000 ODI runs in terms of the number of innings played.
