Wasim Akram-the legendary cricketer from Pakistan
Wasim Akram is one of the most spectacular, impressive, captivating and out standing left arm fast bowler in the history of world cricket. Born on June 3, 1966 in Lahore, Punjab, he received his education from the Islamia College Lahore. Javed Mianded first discovered this immensely talented cricketer. Akram used to play for his college as an opening bowler and batsman. Being considered as one of the most lethal cricketing competitors, he used to charge down the pitch like a gladiator on a battlefield. He had complete mastery over his swing and seam and the ability to change the fate of the game. Undoubtedly, he was one of the most skilful and deceptive fast bowlers of all times.
On November 23, 1984, at the age of 18, Wasim made his ODI debut against New Zealand in Faisalabad. He focused more on swing and accurate bowling during the initial stages of his career. When Pakistan won the World cup tournament in 1992, Akram was one of the most significant and instrumental figures that contributed towards Pakistan’s victory through his bowling as well as batting performance. Out of his 502 ODI wickets in 356 matches, there are 92 lbws, three hit-wickets, 137 catches, 94 caught behinds and 176 bowled. He has taken four wickets 17 times and five wickets six times in One Day International matches.
He made his test debut versus New Zealand in 1985 and took ten wickets in his second test match. Akram possessed great control over his line and length. In 1990/1991 seasons, he became one of only six players to have taken four wickets in an over during a Test match. He had the distinction of playing 104 Test matches. His swinging seamers are still considered to be the most destructive in cricket. He has taken 414 Test wickets in 104 matches at an average of 23.62 out of which 193 were taken caught, 119 were taken LBW and 102 were bowled. With an average of 22.64 in test cricket, he has scored 2,898 runs. His economy rate speaks for itself in both forms of the cricket. He simply bowls unplayable deliveries and is an artist in the real sense of term.
As a captain, Wasim Akram has played 109 ODI matches out of whom Pakistan won 66, lost 41 and two ended in a tie. Having led his team in 25 Tests, in which Pakistan won 12; lost eight and five were drawn. He leaded Pakistan with some successes including World Series Cricket in Australia and two test matches win in India in 1998-1999.
One of the biggest qualities of Wasim Akram’s bowling was his ability to be able to bowl on any wicket with the new or the old ball. Moreover, his rapid change in the pace from one delivery to the next was highly mortal as well as matchless. Wasim took four hat tricks in the international cricket, two each in both forms of the game. Surely, he has always been a more complete bowler than anyone else. His mastery of reverse swing towards the end of the innings has earned him the nickname of the Sultan of King.
Being skilled with the bat as well, Akram was considered a bowling all-rounder. He was most impressive against the spinners and has also made descent scores in difficult times for the Pakistan team including a match winning performance in the Nehru Cup and a double century against Zimbabwe at Sheikhupura.
Wasim Akram retired from the international cricket in 2003 after playing for Hampshire County Cricket Club in England and in this way another great career came to an end. Since retirement, he has taken up commentary for various television networks including, ESPN, Star Sports, ARY Digital and many others. Despite all the academies, the world will not be able to see the likes of such a dream cricketer on the cricket pitch ever again. He was truly once in a generation cricketer who could make the cricket ball talk with his lethal bowling at any stage of the game. Akram lived his life to the fullest, played the game with skill and helped in carrying his country to the heights of the world cricket.
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