The greatest Pakistani bowlers of all time have left an indelible mark on the world of cricket, showcasing exceptional talent and skill. Pakistan’s rich cricketing history is filled with incredible bowlers, from fiery fast bowlers who could swing and seam the ball to crafty spinners capable of deceiving even the most skilled batsmen.
These legends not only excelled in their craft but also inspired countless fans and future cricketers. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 greatest Pakistani bowlers of all time and celebrate their remarkable achievements and contributions to the sport!
Top 10 Greatest Pakistani Bowlers of All Time
| Player | Span | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling Figures | 4-fers | 5-fers | 10-fers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Wasim Akram | 1984-2003 | 460 | 916 | 7/119 | 37 | 31 | 5 |
| 2. Waqar Younis | 1989-2003 | 349 | 789 | 7/36 | 42 | 35 | 5 |
| 3. Imran Khan | 1971-1992 | 263 | 544 | 8/58 | 20 | 24 | 6 |
| 4. Shahid Afridi | 1996-2016 | 518 | 538 | 7/12 | 8 | 10 | 0 |
| 5. Saqlain Mushtaq | 1995-2004 | 218 | 496 | 8/164 | 23 | 19 | 3 |
| 6. Saeed Ajmal | 2008-2015 | 212 | 447 | 7/55 | 19 | 12 | 4 |
| 7. Shoaib Akhtar | 1997-2011 | 219 | 438 | 6/11 | 16 | 16 | 2 |
| 8. Umar Gul | 2003-2016 | 237 | 427 | 6/42 | 20 | 8 | 0 |
| 9. Abdul Razzaq | 1996-2013 | 339 | 388 | 6/35 | 12 | 4 | 0 |
| 10. Abdul Qadir | 1977-1993 | 171 | 368 | 9/56 | 16 | 17 | 5 |
1. Wasim Akram – 916 Wickets
Widely recognized as the greatest left-arm fast bowler, Wasim Akram is celebrated for his swing bowling skills. Over his 19-year career, he demonstrated speed and skill that made it difficult for batsmen to face him. Akram played 356 ODIs, taking 502 wickets and is ranked 10th for the most five-wicket hauls in ODIs. He achieved a remarkable total of 916 wickets in 460 matches, with an average of 23.57 and 31 five-wicket hauls.
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2. Waqar Younis – 789 Wickets
Waqar Younis, who formed a formidable bowling partnership with Akram, ranks second for the most wickets for Pakistan. Known for his yorkers and swing, Younis made his international debut in 1989 and played 349 matches, securing 789 wickets with an average of 23.70. He holds the record for the most five-wicket hauls by a Pakistani bowler, totaling 35.
3. Imran Khan – 544 Wickets
As a captain and influential figure in Pakistani cricket, Imran Khan was pivotal in identifying and nurturing talents like Akram and Younis. Khan, who played for 21 years, is the third-highest wicket-taker for Pakistan. His ability to bowl reverse-swinging yorkers gained him popularity in the mid-80s. He took 544 wickets in 263 matches, achieving 24 five-wicket hauls.
4. Shahid Afridi – 538 Wickets
Shahid Afridi is another legendary figure in Pakistan cricket. As an all-rounder known for his dynamic spin bowling, Afridi is considered one of Pakistan’s most talented players. In addition to his bowling, he is famous for his explosive batting, including a remarkable 45-ball century against India in 2005. Afridi helped Pakistan win the T20 World Cup in 2009.
5. Saqlain Mushtaq – 496 Wickets
During the era when Pakistani fast bowlers dominated, Saqlain Mushtaq emerged as a talented spinner. His unique “doosra” delivery baffled many batsmen and became a key technique for future spinners. Mushtaq played 218 matches, taking 496 wickets and achieving 19 five-wicket hauls, making him the leading wicket-taker among Pakistani spinners.
6. Saeed Ajmal – 447 Wickets
Saeed Ajmal made a significant impact as a spinner for Pakistan, playing 212 matches and taking 447 wickets. His exceptional bowling techniques earned him a place among the top bowlers, including a best performance of 7/55 in a single match.
7. Shoaib Akhtar – 438 Wickets
Shoaib Akhtar, known as the “Rawalpindi Express,” is remembered for his extraordinary speed. He set the record for the fastest delivery ever bowled at 161.3 km/h during a match against England in 2003. Despite injuries limiting his career to 219 matches, he took 438 wickets.
8. Umar Gul – 427 Wickets
Umar Gul is another talented fast bowler from Pakistan, having played 237 matches and taken 427 wickets. Known for his ability to excel in various formats, Gul was a crucial part of the team during his career.
9. Abdul Razzaq – 388 Wickets
Abdul Razzaq was an effective all-rounder, contributing with both bat and ball. He played 339 matches, taking 388 wickets, and is recognized for his versatility and valuable contributions to the team.
10. Abdul Qadir – 368 Wickets
Abdul Qadir was a renowned spinner in the 80s and 90s, famous for his leg-spin bowling. He played 171 matches and took 368 wickets, achieving a best performance of 9/56 in a single match. His legacy in spin bowling remains significant in Pakistan cricket history.
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