While there are many fearsome bowlers in the history of cricket, Pakistan’s Shoaib Akhtar surely tops the list. The former right-arm pacer, who has clocked a record speed of 161.3 kmph, is regarded as the fastest bowler in the history of the game. A menacing sprint to the crease with raw pace, deadly bouncers and menacing eyes pointing towards the target, Akhtar was a nightmare for the past generation.
Since making his international debut in November 1997, the ‘Rawalpindi Express’ has represented the Men in Green in 46 Tests, 163 ODIs and 15 T20Is. He has taken 178 wickets at an average of 25.7, including 12 five-wicket hauls and two 10-wicket hauls. As the legendary pacer celebrates his 49th birthday, let’s take a look at three of his best bowling performances in Test cricket.
Here are Shoaib Akhtar’s top three bowling performances in Tests
3. 6/50 vs Bangladesh, Peshawar, 2003
Shoaib Akhtar played a key role in Pakistan’s emphatic nine-wicket win against Bangladesh in the second Test of the 2003 series. On the back of Akhtar’s six-wicket haul, Bangladesh were restricted to 361 in the first innings. Pakistan batters, in response, put up a disappointing performance which saw them bundled out for 295 runs. However, Akhtar shone once again with a four-fer to dismiss the visitors for just 96 in their second innings. The Men in Green chased down the target of 163 for the loss of just one wicket.
2. 6/30 vs New Zealand, Wellington, 2003
Akhtar once again wreaked havoc in both innings to help Pakistan win by seven wickets against New Zealand in the second Test of the 2003 series. Batting first, the Black Caps posted 366 even though Akhtar grabbed a fifer for 48 runs. Pakistan could only score 196 in the reply, but their bowlers did a decent job to restrict the hosts to 103 runs in the second innings. This time Akhtar grabbed six wickets for just 30 runs. Inzamam-ul-Haq and Co. overcame the target for the loss of three wickets.
1. 6/11 vs New Zealand, Lahore, 2002
Akhtar registered his best figure in Test cricket during the 2002 series opener against New Zealand in Lahore. On the back of Inzamam-ul-Haq’s mammoth triple century, Pakistan posted 643 in the first innings. The Kiwi squad were bowled for a paltry score of 73 as Akhtar unleashed his beat mode. The right-arm seamer picked up six wickets by conceding just 11 runs. New Zealand, who failed to avoid follow-on, were dismissed for 246, handing the hosts a massive victory by an innings and 324 runs.
For more exclusive updates Visit BJSports to access Exclusive News that is only for you, incisive analysis, and updates, and to keep up with all of the latest information on your remarkable cricket favorite players and teams. To ensure you never miss out, join in on the fun right away!