While time continues to go on, it is evident that some of the world’s finest bowlers have made their ODI debuts and shown incredible brilliance. The best three bowling performances by Pakistani players in their debut match are given below.
1. 4/19 – Zakir Khan vs New Zealand in Peshawar in 1984
On November 12, 1984, in Peshawar, Pakistan star bowler Zakir Khan made his outstanding ODI debut against New Zealand. He finished with match stats of 4/19 and received the award for “Man of the Match.” Notably, on that day, the Men in Green posted a 191-run target. Later, while chasing, the visitors got dismissed for just 145 runs, giving a great win to the home team by 46 runs. On top of that, the great bowler gave his strongest performances in both tests and ODIs during his debut games, which helped him get some fame. However, following that, he was hardly picked for the team due to his inconsistent performances.
2. 4/21 – Abdul Qadir vs New Zealand in Birmingham in 1983
During the 1983 Cricket World Cup, Pakistan star bowler Abdul Qadir played his first One-Day International (ODI) match against New Zealand at Edgbaston. He concluded with four wickets for 21 runs in 12 overs, earning him the man of the match award. Notably, on June 12, 1983, the Blacks Caps posted a target of 238 runs after the Men in Green sent them to bat first. Later, while chasing, all the efforts of the star spinner went in vain as Pakistan lost that match by getting all out on just 186, which knocked them out of the tournament.
3. 4/46 – Sarfraz Nawaz vs New Zealand in Christchurch in 1973
Notably, Pakistan star bowler Sarfraz Nawaz made his ODI debut against New Zealand on February 11, 1973. He finished up that match by scalping four wickets while conceding 46 runs. During that match, the home team posted a score of just 187 runs before getting all out after being sent to bat first by the Men in Green. Later, while chasing, all the efforts of the debutant were in vain as the home team was also dismissed for just 165 runs while defending such a low score. It’s undeniable that sometimes efforts lead to wins, and some define famous careers. With his incredible spell, Sarfraz Nawaz changed the way people viewed fast bowling.