Pakistan is known for producing good quality fast bowlers for years now. Earlier it was the dynamic due of the two W’s- http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Wasim-Akram-c96292 and Waqar Younis. Pakistan kept its legacy alive and produced another lethal right arm fast bowler in the form of Shoaib Akhtar.
Akhtar was born in Morgah near Rawalpindi and his hometown has earned him the nickname of Rawalpindi Express.
He is known for his quick fast yorkers that he bowls with a lot of ease. He is also famous for his run up. Shoaib Akhtar currently holds the record for the fastest delivery ever bowled in an international match at 100.2 mph.
Shoaib marked his debut against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/West-Indies-c760 in 1997. He was immediately noticed for his quick deliveries and was a surprise package for the visiting West Indian side. But he rose to fame when he dismissed the master blaster Sachin Tendulkar off the very
first delivery that he bowled to the legendary Indian batsmen.
Akhtar was one of they key factors in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755’s performance at the 1999 World Cup in England. Many cricket fans still remember his gestures whenever he took a wicket. His speed battle with South African bowler Allan Donald was also one of the highlights
of the prestigious event.
The period between 2002 and 2004 is known as the dark years of his career when he suffered from lack of form. His relationship with the management and captain http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Inzamam-ul-Haq-c64383 deteriorated and he was dropped from the Pakistani national side. He was also blamed
for lack of commitment towards the game, an accusation that he denied.
Year 2005 marked the return of this Pakistani great. He was selected for the home series against England and he proved to all his critics that he is still the fast bowling wizard of Pakistan.
He managed to get 17 wickets in the three-match Test series and was one of the star performers. Even the England Captain Michael Vaughan praised him and declared him as the difference maker. His fame was short lived as he was involved in an alleged drug
scandal and later his fight with fellow fast bowler Mohammed Asif resulted in a 13-match ban imposed on him by the Pakistani Cricket Board.
Shoaib Akhtar also played for Kolkata http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Khan-c71319 paid $4.75 million for
him.
Shoaib Akhtar is currently a member of the Pakistani squad and has managed to deliver some good performances against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757 in the recently concluded ODI series.
Akhtar’s career is full of allegations, scandals and injuries. He is still known for the pace he is able to generate and on his day he his ability to rip through any batting line-up.
Before retirement, he wants to play the 2011 World Cup and play an important part in the success of his country.
Tags: