Bowling has always been a vital component of Pakistan's cricketing identity. Over the years, Pakistani bowlers have established a reputation for being skilful and unpredictable, capable of turning the game on its head with their wicket-taking abilities. In this article, we take a look at the top 10 best bowling figures in an ODI for Pakistan. These performances have not only helped Pakistan win matches but have also left a lasting impression on cricket fans worldwide. From legends like Wasim Akram and Shahid Afridi to modern-day heroes, these bowlers have showcased their talents on some of the biggest stages of world cricket, leaving their mark on the game forever.
1. Shahid Afridi Against West Indies
In an ODI match against the West Indies, Shahid Afridi, the former Pakistani all-rounder, produced a spectacular display of bowling to help his team secure a crucial victory. Afridi picked up seven wickets for just 12 runs in his 9.3 overs, which is still the best bowling figures by a Pakistani in ODI cricket. His leg-spin and googlies proved too much for the West Indian batsmen, and he was awarded the player of the match for his exceptional performance. Afridi's efforts ensured that Pakistan registered a convincing win over a tough opponent.
2. Waqar Younis Against England
In an ODI match against England on 17th June 2001, Waqar Younis, the former Pakistani fast bowler, produced a magnificent display of reverse swing bowling to help his team secure a comprehensive victory. Younis picked up seven wickets for just 36 runs in his 10 overs, including the key wickets of Michael Vaughan and Marcus Trescothick. His ability to make the ball reverse swing at a rapid pace proved too much for the English batsmen, and he was awarded the player of the match.
3. Aaqib Javed Against India
In an ODI match against India, Aaqib Javed, the former Pakistani fast bowler, produced a sensational display of swing and seam bowling to help his team secure a memorable victory. Javed picked up seven wickets for just 37 runs in his ten overs, including the prized scalp of Sachin Tendulkar. His ability to move the ball both ways and bowl accurate yorkers made it difficult for the Indian batsmen to score runs. Javed's efforts ensured that Pakistan emerged victorious against their arch-rivals.
4. Imran Khan Against India
In an ODI match against India, Imran Khan, the former Pakistani all-rounder, produced a match-winning display of bowling to help his team secure a thrilling victory. Imran picked up six wickets for just 14 runs in his ten overs. His ability to swing the ball at a sharp pace and bowl with great accuracy made it difficult for the Indian batsmen to handle.
5. Shoaib Akhtar Against New Zealand
In an ODI match against New Zealand on 21st April 2002, Shoaib Akhtar, the former Pakistani fast bowler, produced a blistering display of pace bowling to help his team secure a dominant victory. Shoaib picked up six wickets for just 16 runs in just 9 overs, including the prized scalp of the Kiwi captain. His ability to consistently bowl at speeds of over 150 km/h made it difficult for the New Zealand batsmen to play him.
6. Azhar Mahmood Against New Zealand
In an ODI match against New Zealand in Sharjah in 1999, Azhar Mahmood, the former Pakistani all-rounder, produced a brilliant display of seam bowling to help his team secure a thrilling victory. Azhar picked up three wickets for just 24 runs in his ten overs, including some key wickets. His ability to swing the ball both ways and vary his pace made it difficult for the New Zealand batsmen to score runs, and he was awarded the player of the match for his exceptional performance.
7. Waqar Younis Against Sri Lanka
Waqar Younis produced a brilliant bowling performance against Sri Lanka in an ODI match played in Sharjah on 29 April 1990. He picked up six wickets for just 26 runs in his 10 overs. Waqar bowled with great pace and swing, troubling the Sri Lankan batsmen with his yorkers and bouncers.
8. Yasir Shah Against Zimbabwe
In the 2015 ODI match between Pakistan and Zimbabwe, Yasir Shah put up an impressive bowling performance. He picked up six wickets for just 26 runs in only 9 overs, helping restrict Zimbabwe to a below-par score. Yasir bowled with great accuracy and variation, deceiving the batsmen with his googlies and flippers. His contributions played a crucial role in Pakistan's victory in the match.
9. Naved-Ul-Hasan Against India
In the ODI match between Pakistan and India in Jamshedpur on 9 April 2005, Naved-ul-Hasan put up a memorable bowling display. He picked up six wickets for just 27 runs in only 8.4 overs, helping Pakistan defend a low target. Naved-ul-Hasan used his variations and change of pace to trouble the Indian batsmen, who struggled to cope with his accuracy and swing.
10. Waqar Younis Against New Zealand
Waqar Younis produced a sensational bowling spell against New Zealand in an ODI match played in Auckland on 13 March 1994. He picked up six wickets for just 30 runs in 9.4 overs, helping Pakistan restrict New Zealand to a low score of 197. Waqar bowled with great pace and accuracy, generating reverse swing and troubling the New Zealand batsmen with his yorkers and bouncers. His performance played a crucial role in Pakistan's victory in the match, earning him the Man of the Match award.
