Pakistan has produced some of the most prolific and elegant batters in Test cricket history, making a lasting impression on the game. These Pakistani batsmen, who range from dependable anchors to traditional stroke players, have proven their abilities on the biggest platform. They were some of the greatest cricket players who have worn the green cap, persevering through difficult circumstances and turning up standout performances. Every player has added to the rich fabric of Pakistan's Test cricket tradition, whether it be the grace of Hanif Mohammad, the aggression of Inzamam-ul-Haq, or the tenacity of Younis Khan. Here is a list of ten of the greatest Pakistani Test players who have had a lasting influence on the game.
1. Inzamam-ul-Haq
With a stellar average of 50.16, Inzamam has scored over 8800 runs for Pakistan in test cricket. Moreover, he is one of the few players to have a triple century in test cricket with a high score of 329. His tally of runs includes 25 hundreds and 49 half-centuries, making him one of the most impactful and important batters in the Pakistan lineup.
2. Mohammad Yousuf
With a best score of 223 runs in tests, Yousuf was one of the most incredible test batters Pakistan ever had. He scored 7530 runs at an average of 52.29. This impressive feat was backed by 24 hundred and 33 fifties. Although he did not play a long time, his record speaks for itself.
3. Misbah-ul-Haq
In a career spanning for over 16 years, Misbah was one of the most dependable batters for Pakistan. He scored over 5000 runs in tests at an average of 46.62, making him a crucial wicket for the bowlers. His tally of 10 centuries and 39 fifties marked him as an essential batter to look out for in the Pakistan team.
4. Younis Khan
The only Pakistani with his name on the elite list of legends with over 10000 runs in Tests, Younis Khan had an impeccable average of over 52. His long and illustrious career saw him scoring more hundreds than fifties in tests for Pakistan, which in itself is a unique achievement. He was the pillar of the Pakistan team for a long time.
5. Zaheer Abbas
With an average of almost 45, Abbas was a vital part of the Pakistani squad from the 1970s to the mid-1980s. He scored more than 5000 runs and in the process also made a dozen centuries and 20 fifties. Abbas was a dependable batter who improved the quality of the then-Pakistan team.
6. Javed Miandad
Miandad was an essential part of the Pakistan batting unit for almost 16 years. He scored many runs for this team and had an impressive average of 52.57, scoring 23 centuries and 43 half-centuries. Miandad also had a formidable, best score of 280 runs. All of this certainly contributed towards making him one of the best test batters to have played for Pakistan.
7. Saleem Malik
Malik was a prominent presence in the test team for almost two decades. He scored over five and a half thousand runs for Pakistan, at an average of nearly 44. Malik’s tally of runs included 15 centuries and 29 half-centuries, with a personal best of 237. He is among the few players to have played over a hundred tests for Pakistan.
8. Babar Azam
Babar Azam has already scored 3772 runs for Pakistan with nine centuries and 26 fifties. Babar is a promising player, making his mark not only in test cricket but across formats. His test best is 196, and he has a promising average of 47.74, making him one of the key players in the squad today.
9. Azhar Ali
With a triple century to his name, Azhar Ali was one of the finest players in the test team. He scored over 7000 runs for Pakistan at an average of 42.26, with 19 tons and 35 fifties to his name. Although his tenure as a captain was not very successful, Ali was a solid presence in Pakistan’s top order.
10. Saeed Anwar
Anwar played only 55 tests for Pakistan, but a presence to be wary of. With just over 4000 runs, Anwar scored 11 centuries and 25 fifties at an average of 45.52. He opened the innings and provided Pakistan with a good start many times. Anwar was undoubtedly one of the key players to have played for Pakistan.
