OTD in 1983: South Africa legend Hashim Amla was born today

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The legendary Hashim Amla is arguably one of the finest batters to have played international cricket for South Africa. He announced his retirement from all forms of cricket last year on January 18.

Born on March 31, 1983 in Durban, the right-handed batter graduated from Durban High School and went on to captain the Proteas at the Under-19 World Cup in 2002 in New Zealand. Under his leadership, South Africa made it to the finals where they lost to Australia.

A couple of years later, Amla made his senior debut for South Africa during a Test match against India at the iconic Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Initially considered as a Test specialist, Amla had to endure a four-year long wait to get his maiden ODI cap in 2008 against Bangladesh at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram. 10 months later, he became an all-format player for the Rainbow Nation, having made his T20I debut against Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane.

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Hashim Amla’s insane career numbers

During the course of his illustrious career, Amla smashed several records as he made a name for himself for being one of the most consistent batters across formats. During his illustrious 15-year international career, Amla played 124 Tests, 181 ODIs, and 44 T20Is.

In the longest format of the game, Amla amassed 9,282 runs at an impressive average of 46.64. He registered 41 fifties, 28 tons, four double centuries and one triple century in the format. His highest Test score of 311 not out came against England at The Oval in London.

While his Test numbers are staggering, his ODI records are just as great if not better. In 181 ODIs, Amla scored 8,113 runs at an average of 49.47 and a strike rate of 88.39. He slammed 39 fifties and 27 centuries in the 50-over format.

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In spite of being a touch player, Amla found commendable success in the T20 format. In 44 T20Is, he scored 1,277 runs at an average of 33.61 and a strike rate of 132.06. The 40-year-old notched up eight half-centuries in the format. Amla also played 16 IPL matches and registered three fifties and a couple of centuries. He averaged 44.38 and had a strike rate of 141.77 in the cash-rich league. Amla played his last international match against Sri Lanka in the 2019 ODI World Cup on June 28. Four years later, he would retire from all forms of the sport.

After bringing the curtains down on an iconic playing career, Amla has ventured into coaching. In August 2023, he was appointed as the batting coach of Johannesburg-based Lions for a three-year period.