Abdul Razzaq’s credentials as an all-rounder are undisputed. His contribution with both bat and ball was equally significant for the Pakistan team. His performances particularly with the ball are what made him such an integral figure for Pakistan in all formats of the game. In this article, we will take a look at his best bowling performances across formats.
#1. 5/35 vs Sri Lanka, 2004
Abdul Razzaq’s best bowling performance in test cricket came against Sri Lanka in the second test match of the series at Karachi. Pakistan prevented Sri Lanka from 208 runs in the first innings and Abdul Razzaq had a big role to play with his 5-fer. He picked up some crucial wickets including Thilan Samaraweera, Jehan Mubarak, and Romesh Kaluwitharana. Pakistan took the advantage and continued the momentum throughout the match to register a comfortable victory by 6 wickets.
#2. 6/35 vs Bangladesh, 2002
Abdul Razzaq delivered his best spell in ODI cricket against Bangladesh in Dhaka. He picked up 6 wickets in his spell and forced Bangladesh’s batting order to surrender in the first innings. Pakistan bowled Bangladesh out for 220 runs and Abdul Razzaq made a massive contribution with the ball to give Pakistan an edge in the contest. In the end, Pakistan chased the target comfortably and won the match by 8 wickets.
#3. 5/48 vs India, 2000
This is one of the 5-wicket hauls that Abdul Razzaq picked up in his career but what makes this spell special is the opposition against which it was taken. Razzaq showed up with this performance in the tri-series against India at Hobart. Batting first Pakistan scored 262 runs in the first innings and they needed a brilliant performance with the ball to prevent the formidable Indian batting lineup from chasing this target. Razzaq once again stepped up with the ball and dismissed crucial batters including Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, and VVS Laxman. By sending these big names back to the pavilion he blew India out of the contest which resulted in Pakistan winning the match by 32 runs.