OTD | Wasim Akram created history by scoring an unbeaten 257 vs Zimbabwe, highest score by a No. 8 in Tests in 1996

Former Pakistani pacer and skipper Wasim Akram doesn’t need any introduction. For nearly two decades, the left-arm pacer was doing damage with the ball in hand. His partnership with Waqar Younis created panic across the world. Wasim Akram became the first ever bowler to breach the 500-wicket mark in the ODI format. 

Wasim Akram wasn’t just a great bowler; the former Pakistani skipper could also wield the willow. On his day he was known to play crucial knocks for his side that helped them win games. One such knock came against Zimbabwe during the 1996 Test series during the opening Test match in Sheikhpura. 

During the game, Wasim Akram created a record that is yet to broken and has stood the test of time. The left-handed batter scored 257 not out to post the highest ever score by a player from the number 8 position in test cricket. 

Wasim Akram pummels Zimbabwe to set new record

Zimbabwe batted first and posted a competitive looking 357 on the board. Grant Flower batted for 287 balls and scored 110 runs with the help of 14 fours and a six. Paul Strang who is known more for his bowling stunned the home team with a test ton to score 106. His knock came off 207 balls with 10 fours and having batted for 306 minutes. 

Wasim Akram picked just one wicket while Shahid Nazir picked a fifer and Saqlain Mushtaq grabbed three scalps. Saeed Anwar and Aamer Sohail began well as the pair went after the Zimbabwean bowler with aggression. Anwar was out for 51 while Sohail scored 46. Barring 52 by Saleem Malik none of the Pakistani batters looked at ease. 

At one stage the home team were placed at 237/7 having lost Moin Khan for 18. That’s when Wasim Akram and Saqlain Mushtaq combined forces to add 313 runs for the 8th wicke. Wasim Akram scored his first test ton off 161 balls with 13 fours and 4 sixes. 

The left-handed batter went on the offensive as he smashed all the Zimbabwean bowlers. The doble ton came off 329 balls while the 250 came off 356 balls with the final fifty coming in a mere 27 balls. 

Saqlain Mushtaq was out for 79 off 359 balls with 8 fours and having batted for 426 minutes. Wasim Akram’s 257 came off 363 balls with 22 fours and 12 sixes as the home team were bowled out for 553. In reply Zimbabwe were 241/7 in their 2nd innings before the game was called off. 

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