Karachi, September 5, 2025: Pakistan’s pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi has revealed that South African legend Hashim Amla was the toughest batter he has bowled against in his international career—ranking him ahead of Indian superstar Virat Kohli.
Speaking on the podcast Bricks to Riches, Shaheen recalled his battles with Amla in international and domestic cricket, praising the former Proteas opener’s technique, temperament, and consistency.
“Hashim Amla,” Shaheen said without hesitation. “I’ve played Test matches and ODIs against him, and he’s a tough competitor. I also played a match against him in the Vitality Blast in England. He’s a very good batsman—very good at what he does.”
Amla, who made his international debut in 2004, amassed 18,672 runs across formats with 55 centuries and 80 fifties before retiring in 2019. He faced Shaheen in two Tests and six ODIs, being dismissed by the left-arm quick only twice in ODIs while remaining unbeaten in Tests.
Amla was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in 2023 and is widely regarded as one of South Africa’s greatest batters.
When asked whether Amla was tougher than India’s run-machine Virat Kohli, Shaheen clarified:
“Virat Kohli is a different player. But Hashim bhai, he’s the toughest. Absolute toughest.”
Shaheen’s remarks have sparked fresh debate among cricket fans, many of whom continue to compare the batting greats of the modern era.
