OTD | Former legendary Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram was born in 1966

On this day, back in 1966, Pakistan star cricketer Wasim Akram was born and went on to establish himself as one of the greatest bowlers of all time. He is often called the “Sultan of Swing.” Notably, the star cricketer led his side to the final of the 1999 World Cup, where they suffered a humiliating defeat against Steve Waugh-led Australia in the final game. However, he played a crucial role when his side won the 1992 World Cup.

Wasim Akram holds the world record for most wickets in List A cricket with 881 and is currently the only second bowler next to Sri Lankan star cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan has 502 wickets in all during ODIs. The left-arm pacer has been known as one of the founders and the finest exponents of reverse bowling in the history of cricket. In addition, Akram is the first bowler in the history of cricket to reach the 500-wicket mark in the ODIs, which he achieved during the 2003 World Cup, where Ricky Ponting’s Australia defeated Sourav Ganguly’s India in the final match.

Pakistan’s star player was ranked as one of the best bowlers in the ODI of all time back in 2002, where he surpassed the great cricketers with the likes of Allan Donald, Imran Khan, Waqar Younis, Joel Garner, Glenn McGrath, and Muttiah Muralitharan. He also has 23 four-wicket hauls to his name from the 256 ODI matches he has played so far in his cricketing career.

Meanwhile, speaking about his international journey, Wasim Akram made his Test debut against New Zealand in 1985, where he claimed 10 wickets in the second match of the series. He made himself a great fast bowler who focused more on swing and accurate bowling. He is still the highest wicket-taker for the Pakistan side, with 414 wickets to his name.