Sania Mirza Thrilled After Shoaib Malik's First Hundred in Six Years
Shoaib Malik made a sensational comeback to the national team, slamming 112 off 76 balls as Pakistan defeated Zimbabwe by 41 runs in the first of three ODIs.
Shoaib Malik's first international hundred in six years, which helped Pakistan overwhelm Zimbabwe in a high-scoring ODI in Lahore, thrilled his tennis-star wife Sania Mirza. Malik's eighth ODI hundred -- off a mere 70 balls -- helped the hosts pile up a daunting 375 for three. In reply, Zimbabwe finished 41 runs short.
Malik, a former Pakistan skipper, last played an ODI back in June 2013 during the Champions Trophy against India. Sidelined ever since, the 33-year-old was desperate to impress the national selectors as Sania went from strength to strength, winning tennis titles around the globe.
Mirza did not hide her glee as her husband made a remarkable comeback. He had managed 14 runs from the two T20 Internationals that preceded the one-dayers and the stunning 112 off 76 would no doubt be a silver lining. The Indian tennis queen took to Twitter to express her sheer happiness.
Allhamdulillah ?? @realshoaibmalik so happy for you .. Belief does wonders .. pic.twitter.com/blP4NNr6vQ
- Sania Mirza (@MirzaSania) May 26, 2015
Pakistan are hosting their first international series at home, since the 2009 terror attacks on the Sri Lankan team. They won the T20 series 2-0 and lead the three-match ODI series 1-0.
Malik has been supportive of Mirza's blossoming tennis career and has himself taken to Twitter to congratulate his wife on her recent spate of success.