Saqlain Mushtaq

Saqlain Mushtaq was probably the first offspinner who has mastered the doosra. Often he bowls the doosra the first time a batsman faces him. Saqlain’s international career began nicely. He was the fastest bowler to grab 100 One day wickets. His best moment in international cricket was in the 1998-99 series against India at Chennai. He took 10 wickets and this assisted Pakistan in sneaking a 12 run win. However, further, he came into competition with Shoiab Malik, a better batsman and Danish Kaneria, a frontline Test spinner. In the 2003-04 series against India, Saqlain got a chance to play again but could not impress with figures of 1 for 204. In 2007, he joined Sussex along with Mushtaq Ahmed. Then, he signed a contract with the ICL, due to which Surrey has severed ties with him.

Career Highlights

Saqlain Mushtaq has participated in 194 matches and in these has bowled 44634 deliveries in which 19630 runs have been scored and 833 dismissals have taken place. His bowling average was 23.56, economy rate was 2.63 and bowling strike rate was 53.5. He has scored 3405 runs in the 263 innings that he has played during which he has remained not out 59 times. His batting average was 16.69 and highest score was 101 not out. He has hit 1 century and 14 fifties and has taken 67 catches.