When it comes to one of the greatest seamers in world cricket, quite a few names come to one's mind. While Australia's Glenn MacGrath might be rated as the best swing bowler ever, Pakistan's Wasim Akram, too, has to be on the list.Akram is undoubtedly the greatest seam bowler ever produced by Pakistan, while his numbers, achievements and accolades speak for himself. As he celebrates his 55th birthday, we take a look at the five top records the Sultan of Swing holds in international cricket.
undefined
Highest Test wicket-taker for PakistanFirst and foremost, Akram happens to be the most successful wicket-taker for Pakistan in the longest format, claiming 414 in 104 games at an average of 23.62. Being a bowling all-rounder, he was also handy with the bat, scoring 2,898 runs at 22.64.
undefined
First to 400-plus wickets in Tests and ODIsIn a remarkable record, Akram was the first in world cricket to claim 400-plus wickets in both Test and One-Day Internationals. Notably, he happens to be only among the two bowlers to have done so, with Sri Lankan spin legend Muttiah Muralitharan being the other one.
undefined
Four international hat-tricksAkram holds a unique record of being the only bowler to have claimed four hat-tricks in international cricket, with a couple each in both formats. He was the third bowler to claim two Test hat-tricks, besides being the first of the five to claim the same in ODIs.
undefined
Top score while batting at No 8Being a bowling all-rounder helped Akram and Pakistan on numerous occasions. On the same note, Akram also holds the record of playing the best Test innings by a batsman at number eight. He scored an unbeaten 257 against Zimbabwe while batting at the position, during which he smashed 12 sixes, which happens to be a record again. He also faced the most deliveries by a No 8 batsman in the format in this very game (363).
undefined
Most wickets as seamerNow, this is one record where he surpasses the legendary McGrath. He holds the record of claiming the most wickets in the ODIs as a seamer (502), while he was also the first in ODI cricket to register 500 wickets.NOTE: Asianet News humbly requests everyone to wear masks, sanitise, maintain social distancing and get vaccinated as soon as eligible. Together we can and will break the chain #ANCares #IndiaFightsCorona
undefined