Wasim Akram (Pakistan)
Tuesday, December 30 2002 11:31 Hrs (IST)

Wasim Akram is regarded by many to be the best bowler in Test and One-day cricket of his generation. What makes him special is that he uses the seam so beautifully that even without express pace he gets wickets regularly. His economy rate in either version of the game is phenomenal - 2.59 and 3.89 in Test cricket and One-day cricket respectively.

Akram is also ranked amongst the top in the wicket takers' list in Test and One-day cricket. He is no slouch with bat either. Known for his big hitting, he has rescued Pakistan many times by coming down the order and smashing 30 to 40 runs in very quick time.

Akram made his One-day debut in 1984 versus New Zealand and played his first World Cup match in 1987 Reliance World Cup against Sri Lanka. He took two wickets for 41 runs in 9.2 overs and Pakistan won that game by 15 runs.

He has played a total of 29 World Cup matches and taken 39 wickets at an average of 29.36. His economy rate is 4.12, which is very decent considering he opens the bowling attack for Pakistan with the talented Waqar Younis. In the death overs he employs the yorker and the reverse swinging delivery to great effect particularly against the tailenders.

With the bat he has 305 runs with a highest score of 43 in the 1999 World Cup versus West Indies. He also bowled extremely well in that game to return figures of 10 overs for 37 runs with three maidens. Inevitably Whenever Akram was on song Pakistan was seemingly invincible and Akram has captained the side satisfactorily on many occasions.

He led his side to the final of the 1999 World Cup but could not last against an insurgent Australian team. He is still an integral part of his team and is always helping out the younger bowlers like Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammed Sami.

Akram, like Tendulkar carries on his shoulders the expectation of a World Cup win in 2003 from his countrymen and for all cricket lovers it will be a treat to watch him on the bowler friendly pitches of South Africa.

Compiled by Ramnath Bhat

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