Murali world’s number one 
[May 10, 2004 - 10.15 GMT] 

Sri Lankan off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan broke West Indian Courtney Walsh's world record of 519 Test wickets in the first Test against Zimbabwe in Harare, Saturday. 

He achieved the feat in his 89th Test when he had Zimbabwean Mluleki Nkala caught at silly mid-off. It took the previous holder Walsh 132 Tests to reach that mark.

Courtney Walsh congratulated the Sri Lankan spinner, remarking, "He has been a tremendous bowler for Sri Lanka and he is bound to get wickets as long as he is playing. His strike rate is phenomenal. He deserves all the credit he is getting." 

President Chandrika Kumaratunga in her congratulatory message to Muralitharan said, “Your courage and determination in facing the challenges and adversities in your cricketing career has been admirable. I wish you continued success and my very best wishes will be with you all the way”.

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Last Updated Date: May 10, 2004  - 10.15 GMT.