Rawalpindi Express nearing last station in Mohali - Pakistan v India: ICC World Cup 2011
The Rawalpindi Express, Shoaib Akhtar is going to blaze at Mohali with his remaining fuel against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750, as he gets ready to depart the world of international cricket. Akhtar will only have a possible of two more stations to go- Mohalia and Mumbai- after serving the country outstandingly for 13 years in competitive cricket.
While announcing his retirement in a press conference at Colombo last week, the Rawalpindi Express struggled to control his emotions.
He said; "I have decided to retire. Mentally I wanted to go on forever but I have decided to make way for the youngsters,”
Akhtar has seen a lot of ups and downs in his career. He brought some stupendous victories for Pakistan in both One Day Internationals and test matches by his terrifying bowling pace.
Despite an excellent and remarkable career, Akhtar's career has never been free from controversies. The fast bowler, often nicknamed as the Bad Boy of Cricket, has faced scandals related to drugs, girls, illegal bowling action, disciplinary issues and being a difficult team player.
Akhtar added at the conference, "I have no regrets. I made lots of friends but some people have misunderstood me. I thank all the players who played with me and against me.” Stressing on being remembered well, he said, “I want to be remembered as an honest and patriotic player who never trod a wrong path,"
He joined the team and cemented his place in presence of two legendary fast bowlers, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Wasim-Akram-c96292 and Waqar Younis.
"It was an honor to have played with Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis. I never imagined I would play for Pakistan. It was my greatest moment,” 35 years fast bowler said.
Akhtar started his international career in 1997 against the West Indies in Karachi's National Stadium. During his career, Akhtar picked up 178 wickets in 46 Tests, dismissed 247 batsmen in 163 ODIs. He has also contributed in Twenty20 Internationals by taking 19 wickets in 15 matches. The fast bowler tasted real fame in 1999 during the Asian Test Championship, after getting the wickets of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Rahul-c83321 Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar in consecutive deliveries to stun the crowd in Calcutta . Akthar sustained this eminence in the ICC World Cup 1999, as he, along with Wasim Akram, was one of the most killing aspects of Pakistan’s bowling attack.
Rawalpindi Express was notorious for distressing batsman with his blazing speed, bang bouncers and swinging yorkers. The fast bowler was radiant and fiery on the field, and to his credit has scared and injured some of world’s top batsmen by throwing speedy threats in their way.
Akhtar has played for many teams in his 13-year career. These include: Agriculture Development Bank of Pakistan, Rawalpindi, Chittagong Division, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Worcestershire-c866.
In the 2011 World Cup, Akhtar's performance has been hot and cold. The Rawalpindi Express played brilliantly against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Zimbabwe-c3045 and Australia.
The fast pacer was not selected in the final XI against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/West-Indies-c760 in the quarter-final. But it seems Pakistan will pick up Akhtar for the semi-final, perhaps employing him as the bona fide threat for the Indian Team. Pakistani fans are hoping to see him in action and are expecting the same fireworks which have been the highlight of his outstanding career.
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