Hashim Amla was touted by many to be the biggest run-hitter in the ongoing Cricket World Cup 2011 and he did not disappoint his fans. The right-handed upper order batsman and occasional medium-pace bowler has been instrumental in success of the South African cricket team.

Born as Hashim Mahomed Amla on 31 March 1983, Amla graduated from the Durban High School and impressed everyone with his dedication, batting style, and approach to the game. Hashim Amla became the first South African of Indian descent to represent South Africa in international cricket when he was chosen for the winter 2004 tour of India at the age of 21.

Amla made his test debut in Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on 28 November 2004 against India and made a slow start to his career. Nevertheless, he proved his critics wrong by scoring 149 against New Zealand at Newlands, Cape Town in the year 2006. The year 2008 was a turning point in the career of Amla when he scored 1012 runs against India, England, and Australia and even helped South Africa win a historic Test and one-day series victory over Australia.

In 51 test matches and 42 one-day internationals, Hashim Amla has scored 3,897 and 2,156 runs, respectively. He has also scored 12 centuries and 19 half centuries in test cricket with a top score of 253 not out and 7 centuries and 12 half centuries in one day cricket with a top score of 140. The world is about to notice the illustrious career of Hashim Amla in the times to come.

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There is a wide variety of snowboards available in the market today of which freestyle snowboards, backcountry snowboards, park snowboards and free-ride snowboards are the popular choices. We are here to reduce your confusion in making a decision on what type of snowboard to buy.

The chief features that determine which snowboard is best for you are your height, weight, foot size and your riding style. These key features decide the suitable width, shape, stiffness and height of a snowboard. Your riding ability and riding style will largely help you in determining the type of snowboard you should buy.

The length of your snowboard is decided by the combination of your height and weight. If you have an average physique, your snowboard should stand between your chin and nose. If you are a bit heavier than average, your snowboard should be longer and less flexible to ensure flotation. If you are lighter than average, go for a snowboard that is more flexible.

Your boot size decides the width of your snowboard. If your feet are smaller, go for a narrower snowboard and a wider snowboard for larger feet is ideal.

Free-ride snowboard is the best choice for the beginners. Free-ride involves riding the whole mountain which includes half pipe, groomed slopes, powder and off-piste. Free-ride snowboards are longer with a soft flex. They have a directional shape which is very helpful for the beginner riders to choose the direction in which you stance you want to ride- either left foot forward or right foot forward.

If you have improved your skills in the sport and want to try out the tricks, jumps, spins and rail slides, go for free style snowboard. These snowboards are shorter and lighter. The nose and tail shape of free style snowboard are identical. Free style snowboard is a versatile board to ride the whole mountain.

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