Wasim Akram

Wasim Akram is a former Pakistani cricketer who played for the Pakistan national cricket team. He represented the Pakistani Cricket Team in One Day Internationals as well as Tests where he was a left handed batsman and left arm fast bowler. Akram is considered as one of the best bowlers in the history of cricket.

In 1988 Akram signed for a domestic club in England named Lancashire. In early 1985 while playing against New Zealand Akram made his Test debut and as he took ten wickets in the second Test his presence could be felt. Javed Miandad had spotted Wasim and on Miandad’s insistence he was given a chance to play for Pakistan.

In the 1992 world cup Wasim played a vital role in achieving Pakistan’s first world cup. While playing against England in the final he scored 33 in 19 deliveries and propelled Pakistan to a respectable total of 249 for 6. For his superb performance Wasim was awarded the Man of the Match title.

While he was the captain of Pakistan he had some success. The highlights of his captaincy were the triumph in the World Series in Australia in 1996-97, two Test match victories in India in 1998-99 and reaching the final of the World Cup in 1999. In 1999 he lead the Pakistan team almost to victory before they were defeated by Australia.

In the 2003 world cup he was Pakistan’s top most bowler and in 7 matches he took 19 wickets. However as Pakistan could not reach the Super Six phase the Pakistan Cricket Board sacked eight players which included Akram.

After a brief spell with Hampshire in England, Wasim retired in 2003. After retirement Wasim has become a commentator and works for the ESPN Star Network as a sportscaster.

Major achievements

Wasim took 414 wickets in 104 matches in his Test careeer.

Wasim took 502 wickets in 356 appearances which is a world record in one day internationals.

Wasim has taken four hattricks in international cricket, two each in Tests and ODIs

Wasim has also achieved the highest score by a number eight batsman in Test cricket — 257 not out from 363 balls against Zimbabwe at Sheikhupura

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