While the legendary Wasim Akram tops the list of Best Pakistani bowlers, it also includes other icons who made a lasting mark on the game with their extraordinary skills.
Grading the top Pakistani bowlers is no easy task, given their immense contributions to cricket, especially in the 1980s and 1990s. Much like Australian cricket is known for mental toughness and India for producing elite batsmen, Pakistan has consistently been a powerhouse of fast bowlers, known for their searing pace, swing, and ability to take wickets at crucial moments.
For decades, Pakistani pacers have dominated the world stage, often turning games around with their unmatched skills. Pakistan’s green, pace-friendly pitches have been a paradise for bowlers like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Imran Khan, Shoaib Akhtar, and others, who terrified even the best batsmen with their sheer speed and devastating swing.
Additionally, Pakistan also produced world-class spin bowlers who expertly complemented their pace attack. Let’s dive into the top 10 Pakistani bowlers of all time.
Top 10 Best Pakistan Bowlers of All Time
| Player | Span | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling Figures | 4-fers | 5-fers | 10-fers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wasim Akram | 1984-2003 | 460 | 916 | 7/119 | 37 | 31 | 5 |
| Waqar Younis | 1989-2003 | 349 | 789 | 7/36 | 42 | 35 | 5 |
| Imran Khan | 1971-1992 | 263 | 544 | 8/58 | 20 | 24 | 6 |
| Shahid Afridi | 1996-2016 | 518 | 538 | 7/12 | 8 | 10 | 0 |
| Saqlain Mushtaq | 1995-2004 | 218 | 496 | 8/164 | 23 | 19 | 3 |
| Saeed Ajmal | 2008-2015 | 212 | 447 | 7/55 | 19 | 12 | 4 |
| Shoaib Akhtar | 1997-2011 | 219 | 438 | 6/11 | 16 | 16 | 2 |
| Umar Gul | 2003-2016 | 237 | 427 | 6/42 | 20 | 8 | 0 |
| Abdul Razzaq | 1996-2013 | 339 | 388 | 6/35 | 12 | 4 | 0 |
| Abdul Qadir | 1977-1993 | 171 | 368 | 9/56 | 16 | 17 | 5 |
Wasim Akram | 916 International Wickets
Widely hailed as the greatest left-arm fast bowler in cricket history, Wasim Akram was a master of swing. Over a career spanning nearly two decades, Akram’s ability to combine speed, swing, and accuracy made him a nightmare for batsmen. With 502 wickets in 356 ODIs, Akram is 10th on the list of most five-wicket hauls in ODIs.
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Akram’s mastery of reverse swing earned him the title of the “Sultan of Swing.” Across 460 matches, he took 916 wickets at an average of 23.57, including an astounding 31 five-wicket hauls. His contributions to the sport have cemented his legacy as a global cricket icon.
Waqar Younis | 789 International Wickets
Wasim Akram’s lethal bowling partner, Waqar Younis, is the second-highest wicket-taker in Pakistan’s history. Known for his devastating in-swinging yorkers and raw pace, Waqar debuted in 1989 and played 349 matches, taking 789 wickets at an average of 23.70.
Younis holds the record for most five-wicket hauls by any Pakistani bowler, with 35 in total. Together, Akram and Younis formed one of the most feared bowling duos in cricket history, inspiring future generations.
Imran Khan | 544 International Wickets
A legendary all-rounder and inspirational captain, Imran Khan was the key figure behind Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup win. Known for his reverse swing and leadership, Imran played 263 matches, securing 544 wickets, including 24 five-wicket hauls.
Beyond his bowling, Imran’s strategic mind and leadership were crucial in shaping Pakistan’s cricket culture.
Shahid Afridi | 538 International Wickets
Shahid Afridi, one of Pakistan’s most popular cricketers, was an explosive all-rounder. Known for his dynamic spin bowling, Afridi took 538 wickets across 518 matches.
Afridi’s aggressive batting, combined with his googlies and leg-breaks, made him a key player for Pakistan, helping them secure the 2009 T20 World Cup.
Saqlain Mushtaq | 496 International Wickets
A pioneer of spin bowling, Saqlain Mushtaq was known for introducing the “doosra.” His ability to outfox batsmen made him one of the most respected spinners of his time, taking 496 wickets across 218 matches.
Shoaib Akhtar | 438 International Wickets
Famously known as the “Rawalpindi Express,” Shoaib Akhtar is the fastest bowler in cricket history. Known for his blistering pace, Akhtar set the record for the fastest ball ever bowled at 161.3 km/h. Despite frequent injuries, Akhtar managed 438 wickets in 219 matches.
Pakistan’s cricket legacy is deeply enriched by these iconic bowlers, whose brilliance inspired generations and cemented Pakistan’s status as a global cricket powerhouse. Their achievements and lasting impact will continue to shape the sport for years to come.
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