Player of the Month
October 1996: Wasim Akram
Each month the editor of CricInfo Interactive will choose a
player who has made an outstanding achievement during the previous month as
the CricInfo googler's Player of the Month. This could be an achievement in
the Test, one-day international, or domestic scene, anywhere in the world.
Like Phil Simmons in September, the Player of the Month for October is an all-rounder
well known in the English county scene. But he is known for much more than that. A renowned
international bowler for twelve years, he stunned the cricketing world on
October 19 and 20 by blasting an unbeaten 257 against Zimbabwe in the Sheikhupura Test,
including 22 fours and 12 sixes. The following week at Faisalabad he took ten
Zimbabwean wickets in the Test victory. And he capped the month off on October 30
by becoming the inaugural member of the One-Day International 300 Wicket Club.
Yes, the CricInfo googler's Player of the Month for October 1996
is Pakistan and Lancashire's left-arm fast-bowling all-rounder
Wasim Akram.
Highlights of Akram's October:
257 not out in the
First Test v Zimbabwe;
6-48 and 4-57
Second Test v Zimbabwe; and
his 300th ODI wicket
v Zimbabwe at Quetta.
The maturing of a bowler
an appreciation by Saqib Mohammed - 31 october 1996
Wasim Akram in the past has often been overlooked for
his achievements with the ball. In the last five years when he was
destroying opposition's, sometimes single handedly - he was known as just a
good fast bowler. It seemed that the world media couldn't look past Curtly
Ambrose. Curtly's acheivements seemed to gain more prominance than the left
arm bowler from Lahore. To his credit Wasim has shown that he is one of the
most versatile bowlers of all time. Since 1988 he has given his full
commitment to Lancashire, reqularly taking 80+ wickets in a season, and also
pitching in with devastating match winning performances with the bat. In
the 1992 series against England, he along with Waqar took 20+ wickets each
in the series, setting up a famous series win. This was all the more
satisfying as the english press smeared false accusations of ball tampering
against them throughout the summer. At the end of the series the media
refused to acknowledge that the two W's had genuine talent.
Wasim Akram had always had a volatile temper - most fast bowlers do. Since
his first spell of captiancy were the Pakistan team accused him of bullying
tactics he has matured immeasureably. He impressed a lot of people with his
imagnative captaincy against England this summer. He has manaed - like
Imran - to gain the full respect of his teammates, control aggression on the
field, and create a good relationship with the press and opposition captains.
This is one of the reasons that Pakistan have become such a strong test
team again. On the negative side his bowling against England this summer
was very average and lacked the pace and aggression you would normally
expect. In the final test realising that he was close to 300 test wickets,
and a test victory, he changed gear and bowled a spell to Atherton late on
the fourth day, of immense sustained hostility which had Atherton dancing in
the crease. All cricket lovers must have enjoyed that spell. Amongst his
greatest admirers are Geoffrey Boycott, Richie Benaud, Michael Atherton, and
many Australians.
This year for Wasim Akram has got to be his most satisfying yet. He's
managed to reach the landmark of 300 Test match wickets, 300 One day
International wickets, his highest score in test matches, with a record
breaking number of sixes, positive and successful captaincy, and the
introduction of a number of young players to the side. Wasim can sit back
on his porch in the late evening sunset in Lahore and feel a well satisfied
and content man, but still knowing in the back of his mind that there are
many more milestones yet to achieve.
CricInfo database's Wasim Akram page
Also on the Googler's:
Akram the Magnificent! by Khaliq Malik
your comments on Wasim Akram following that article.
Your favourite moments from Wasim Akram's career!
Date: Fri, 21 Mar 97 03:48
Message from moeens@paknet1.ptc.pk (Omar Moeen Malik)
It was 1992 and I was only 14 years old. My friends were all excited about the
cricket world cup in Australia. Soon Pakistan managed to reach the final. Just
as it started my friends started naming their hero's. Imran Khan, Javed Miandad,
and then I said mine was Wasim Akram. He didn't perform too well with the bat,
(pakistan batted first) but while bowling he took one of the best wickets I've
seen. I fail to remember the poor batsman's name but the way Akram made that
ball to come into him and clip his bails. My friends claimed it as a "tuka" a
lucky chance, but on the very next delivery he took Chris Lewis (I think) with
a similar ball. I never felt prouder of my country. I wish him the best in his
career.
Date: Mon, 17 Mar 1997 01:43:14
Message from shusain3922@vax2.winona.msus.edu (Syed Waseem Husain)
Every moment that Wasim Akram spends on the cricket ground is my favourite.
His presence in the ground is something to watch.The rhythm of his
bowling, the smacking of the cherry, and the authority of his game
are definitely worth mentioning.He is a living legend and I'm waiting
for the day when he is going to hold aloft the World Cup for Pakistan.
I wish him all the best!!! Long live WASIM AKRAM!!!
Date: Wed, 18 Dec 96 15:59
Message from shahz@iastate.edu (Shahzad Afzal)
Most batsman in the contemporary cricket believe that Wasim Akram is the most
difficult bowler to deal with on the wicket. Wasim’s unique ability to generate
pace and bounce with such a short run up coupled with his brisk whipy action,
proved too deceptive for many batsman in the world. Wasim washed away doubts
about his batting skills this year by scoring a glorious knock of 257* against
Zimbabwe. A prodigy of great Imran Khan, Wasim is a master of reverse swing
along with his partner Waqar Younis, together they are pose the greatest threat
to the batsman all over the world. Truly a great cricketer, Wasim is.
Date: Sun, 8 Dec 1996 15:44:55
Message from 9220236@talabah.iiu.my (azaher)
scoring 257 against Zimb.
Date: Mon, 25 Nov 96 19:11
Message from osk@po.cwru.edu (Omer Shahid Khan)
Hailing from Lahore, I am proud to be from the same city as Wasim. I would definitely
put Wasim's bowling in the World Cup final as my one of my most cherished memories. The sight ofd seeing
Allan Lamb's wicket being shattered was incredible. This was the same Lamb
that had destroyed the West Indies in Gujranwala in the 1987 cricket league match.And to all those who dsay that Wasim can not dismiss Tendulkar, I just say put tendulkar on an Australian wicket and we'll see.
I wonder what would have happened if Wasim had played in Banglore. Thats why I
rate him as a much superior bowler than Waqar. WAqar has no variety.Akram rules. Long live Cathedral.
Date: Sun, 24 Nov 96 12:49
Message from gdw104@york.ac.uk (Giles Wilcock)
I wouldn't say that this was the best momment of his career, but it is one I'll never forget. Against England in the Lord's Test of 1992, Pakistan were chasing around 140 to win. Their top order, including Javed Miandad, was destroyed by Chris Lewis in the space of three overs. Then Ian Salisbury, in his first test, demolished the middle order, and Devon Malcolm was bowling well. Pakistan collapsed to 92 for eight. Then Waqar Younis came out to join Wasim Akram. In scenes of great tension and excitement, they began to lay into the bowling. England had only three fit bowlers, and Wasim, without taking too many risks, with Waqar in support, took Pakistan closer and closer to their target. The runs came faster and faster as the bowlers tired, and finally, in the last over of the day (but not of the match - it was only the fourth day), Wasim hit Ian Salisbury for the winning boundary.
Date: Sat, 23 Nov 1996 06:48:48
Message from chandra@signal.tutics.tut.ac.jp (Chandrasiri)
Favourite moment?
Well, I'll tell you my first impression of Wasim Akram,when I saw
his playing in T.V.
"His run-up is very short,but the ball has a great power.
He has a great deal of variation in bowling, so for a batsman,
it's not easy to face him without using the brain."
Good Luck Wasim Akram!.
Date: Wed, 20 Nov 1996 15:40:02
From: Daniel Jonathan Simons (shlepper@aujs.com.au)
In the 1990 Austral-Asia cup final in Sharjah Autralia were close to
victory in the last overs against Pakistan, and then Wasim Akram took a
Hat-Trick. He bowled the last three battters and Australia was all out!
Very Painful for us Aussies but an amazing performance!!
Date: Thu, 21 Nov 96 23:36
Message from 005861@xavier.xu.edu (Naveed Akbar)
My favorite moment from Akram's career was his bowling in the
1992 world cup final. I have never seen anyone bowling with such
determination and aggression. My favouriate moment was when he
bowled out Allen lamb with a awesome ball. I wish him well in the
future.
Date: Tue, 19 Nov 96 17:42
Message from yellow@jamal.com (M. Fasih Khan)
Wasim Akram is a marvellous bowler. His most wonderful moment that I
remember is when in 1990 he took six wickets in a test inning.
Date: Tue, 19 Nov 96 11:25
Message from Mianja@.vax.sbu.uk (Jehanzeb Mian)
My favourite moment has to be the one when he took his 300th test wicket against
England this summer. You can see the joy on his face. He captained very well and
deserves all the credit. Then all the good stuff he did against zimbabwe. He
proved to everyone that he is the best allrounder in the world. I am a great
follower and admirer of Pakistani cricket and I hope that every player of the
month comes from Pakistan.
Date: Fri, 15 Nov 96 09:15
Message from rags@serc.iisc.ernet.in (raghu)
Has surely got to be the devastating inswinger Wasim bowled Lewis with in
the '92 world cup final. Wasim is probably the best new ball bowler in
contemporary cricket and can be deadly with the old ball as well, an
attribute that is unique to him. He has immense potential as a batsman and
only needs to focus a little more on weilding the willow. Probably one of
the most creative cricketers on the world stage.
He still has a long way to go,and given his talent and grit, he's set to
make his own place in the cricket hall of fame.
Date: Thu, 14 Nov 96 14:17
Message from yellow@jamal.com (UMAIR NIZAM)
WASIM AKRAM IS THE BEST ALL-ROUNDER IN THE WHOLE WORLD. I
HAVE MANY OCCASIONS TO REMEMBER , BUT THE ONE I LIKE THE
MOST IS WHEN HE PLAYED A MARVELLOUS INNING OF 32 RUNS IN
JUST 25 BALLS AND HE WAS NOT OUT IN THE WILLS WORLD CUP.
Date: Thu, 14 Nov 96 04:27
Message from SOHAIL1@IMAP2.ASU.EDU (SOHAIL CHAUDHRY)
So, you are asking me about my favorite moment from
wasim akram's career! Well that's probably one of the most
difficult choices i have to make. Because, his whole career,
his every deliery, every boundary is my favorite. He is the best.
the best in history, yes i mean it, he is the king of cricket.
Date: Wed, 13 Nov 96 09:49
Message from u3821863@au.ac.th (Sher Mohammad Jamal Khan Saddozai)
The most memorable moment for me of Wasim Akram would be the final of the Nehru
Cup back in 1989 or around that period. Pakistan needed 5 or 4 runs to victory
in just 2 balls. The entire hopes of the Pakistani fans and most of all the team
rested on him. And on the second last ball Waseem blasted the ball for a sixer,
and winning the cup from the MIGHTY WEST INDIANS.
Date: Tue, 12 Nov 1996 19:56:00
Message from aa296@columbia.edu (Asad Ahmed)
Where does one begin to talk about Wasim Akram? Clearly, he is one of the
greatest bowlers to have played the game, most definitely the greatest left
arm bowler. One can only regret the injury that plagued the early part of his
career, or he would have had 350 test wickets by now. As for a greatest
moment, there are so many. But I look back on an over that he bowled on
Pakistan's last tour of Australia. He bowled an entire over to Ian Healy in
which he showed his incredible variation, peppering Healy with a mixture of
short balls and outswingers, to set him up perfectly for a wicket off the last ball
of the over. It demonstrated sheer genius and ability of the bowler.
Date: Wed, 13 Nov 1996 11:59:09
Message from 66e029@nstn.arch.waseda.ac.jp (Tokuko Karibe)
In 1994 I saw a cricket test match for the first time of my life. It was
New Zealand against Pakistan in Christchurch. He truly looked dominating at
the pitch and all other players so tidy. He was so impressive in performance
that I learned his name and I have been following him until now.
Date: Sun, 10 Nov 1996 11:30:46
From: Zeeshan Subzwari (zeeshan.subzwari@kiski.org)
The best part of Akram's career included the time in the World Cup 92
when Brian Lara had to retire injured due to a yorker he received from
Akram. Akram is the best baller in the world , way ahead of Walsh,
Ambrose,and Donald. Soon, Akram will be heading for Kapil Dev's record
as well.
Date: Fri, 8 Nov 1996 23:00:44
Message from eerahman@cypress.mcsr.olemiss.edu (Javed Rahman)
Yes, definately his almost to be hatrick against England during
the world cup final in '92. I remember watching in despair while
Fairbrother steadily chipped his way towards the 249 score. Then
the transmission broke off for a five minute news review, only
to return with a gut wrenching diplay of Wasim's fire power. By
then Lamb and Lewis were history, virtually being mauled out
of the MCG by the ruthless tactician named "Wasim Akram."
Date: Fri, 8 Nov 1996 14:41:05
Message from garykeyser@unn.unisys.com (Gary Keyser)
Just a comment on South Africa's lose to India in the Century Cup.(big disappointment) A lot of people believe that SA dont have BMT (Big match
temperment) I feel that a few factors that influenced the outcome were that the toss was an important one to win as we saw the pitch did a quite a bit when
SA batted I also felt that the incident with Jadeja not been giving out when he was caught on the boundary was a turning point because at that stage India
didnt look like scoring 200, also I felt India intimidated the SA side by taking their time when placing their field and rearranging their field during the overs,
it is ironic that the side fielding first has a time restriction yet the other side does not. What are the rules regarding this?? On the day I believe that India
deserved their win and congratulations to them.
Date: Thu, 7 Nov 1996 20:38:13
Message from valcom@www.fascom.com (ALI VALIKA)
I HAVE MANY MOMENTS TO REMEMBER.
ONE OF THOSE : WHEN HE HIT A SIX OFF VIV RICHARDS IN THE FINAL OF NEHRU CUP.
Date: Tue, 5 Nov 96 15:44
Message from mohammad.ahsan@sheridanc.on.ca (Junaid)
This is gravely unfair... only one favoirate moment from Wasim Akram???
I have been looking at this space for the past four days and havent quite
decided which one moment of The Great Wasim Akram's performance pleased me
the most. The hat tricks and the important wickets of in-form batsmen at a
critical moment in time in a critical match, or the whirlwind batting when
Pakistan is in deep waters... And some times just the sheer sight of the
batsman doing a dance number in his crease with the ballet toe stances to
escape the dreaded yorkers and the ducking from his bouncers are definitely
high inducing stuff for any cricket lover.
Date: Tue, 5 Nov 96 12:24
Message from blacksuperman@msn.com (Bernard Sinniah)
The two balls he bowled at World cup final 1992. I was there at the MCG
and they were the best balls I have ever witnessed in my life.
I also think the over he bowled at SCG to Healy on the last day
to win the match. I say no more.....
Date: Sun, 3 Nov 96 20:13
Message from suhaib@eden.rutgers.edu (Suhaib Tarique)
Wasim Akram's most magnificent moment in his remarkable career thus far has
been his performance in the '92 World Cup final. The look on Lamb's face
clearly showed only one bowler in the world could have fooled him like
that---Wasim Akram.
Date: Sun, 3 Nov 96 07:03
Message from ab3@acpub.duke.edu (Ali Zain)
Akram has been brilliant with the ball over the years, but my
favourite moment from Akram's career is the 123 he scored against
Australia in the 2nd test at Adelaide. In an incredible
partnership with Imran, he scored his maiden test century and
put Pakistan in a match winning position. He really is an
awesome talent.
Date: Sun, 3 Nov 96 02:16
Message from haroon.mir@utoronto.ca (Haroon Mir )
His 5-21 against Australia in Melbourne 1985 in the Benson & Hedges tournament
specifically the wicket of Allan Border who was hit wicket...
Date: Fri, 1 Nov 1996 21:09:27
Message from ma4003a@american.edu (Mohammed Azharuddin)
My favorite moment from this great cricketer was the day when
he came out alive during the ODI between India and Pakistan.
In that game, the opener batsmen of India got injured and never
came back to cricket again. HE did come back but wasn't able
to face wasim anymore. good job by akram and keep it up.
very talented player of the 1990s.
Date: Fri, 1 Nov 96 17:21
Message from rsabir@khi.compol.com (RIZWAN SABIR)
He is an outsanding bowler. The most exciting moment was that
when he hit a six to win the Nehru cup for pakistan and also when he
won the world cup 1992 in australia for pakistan. In my opinion he
is the world no 1 fast bowler and his name would be written as all time
great in the record books.
Date: Fri, 1 Nov 96 17:05
Message from adam.burbidge@nottingham.ac.uk (Adam Burbidge)
I was at the Oval test this year for the spell of bowling that Wasim and Waqar
unleashed at Mike Atherton and Alec Stewart. Two things stuck me about it:
Firstly, it was a magnificent spell of bowling. Secondly, how good a batsman
Alec Stewart could be if only he could sort out his concentration. His batting performance
that day was awesome (and I had seen Lara smash 175 the year before!). In my
opinion Stewart's innings was the better of the two! (There's controversy for you!)
Date: Fri, 1 Nov 96 11:41
Message from rafi@batelco.com.bh (Rafi Jaffari)
My favorite moment in Wasim Akram's career was when he was declared unfit
and could not play in the quarterfinal of the World Cup against India. Yes,
that most certainly was my all time favorite moment of Akram's career.
Date: Sat, 2 Nov 1996 19:37:42
From: Taimur Chughtai (chughtai@emirates.net.ae)
It seemed that Pakistan would be unable to even come close to Zimbabwe's
first innings score of 233 as Pakistan stood on 189/6 on the close of the
second day. The next morning Wasim Akram came out and smashed 257* and saved
his country from humiliation from the Zimbabweans. A true hero for Pakistan.
Date: Fri, 1 Nov 96 05:36
Message from goshi@data-west. (Anwar A. Khan)
It was a lazy afernoon in October 1984. I switched on my TV
to see what's on. Board XI vs. The New Zealanders led by
J. Coney.
What was immediately eye catching was the "whippy" arm action
of an unknown commodity called Wasim Akram. Here was a boy
(youngman would be too "old") who it seemed was simply walking
back and running in to bowl. For crying out loud, he did not even
have spikes (boots)on him. His natural delivery angle caught the
kiwis by suprised and announced himself to the cricketing world
by taking 7 wickets. In his numerous interviews later in his
career, it was revealed that Wasim did not know what a "run-up"
is.
And then there was the sight of him bowling Lamb & Lewis at the
World Cup'92. He has done wonders, 600 international wickets,
numerous man of the match, his 257 and the 12 sixes, one can
go on and on and on. Just two little words for Akram.
Thank you, thank you for entertaining us and making us feel
proud of you.
Date: Fri, 1 Nov 96 00:18
Message from Bootwsu@TCE1.nz.unisys.com (Salim Bootwala)
The three wickets that he took against England in the 1992 world cup final
were amazing. The balls that bowled Chris Lewis and Allan Lamb were
just amazing. These two balls are definately my favourite.
Date: Thu, 31 Oct 96 19:45
Message from FURNITST@ACAD.ETOWN.EDU (SANAM TAJ)
AS A BATSMEN I SHALL ALWAYS REMEMBER WASIM'S INNINGS IN AUSTRALIA WITH HIS
MENTOR IMRAN KHAN BATTING AT THE OTHER END. BOTH THE ALL-ROUNDERS SCORED
CENTURIES AND SAVED PAKISTAN FROM DEFEAT IN THAT TEST MATCH
Date: Thu, 31 Oct 96 14:51
Message from rshikoh@ix.netcom.com (Rafi Shikoh)
Can never forget the two consecutive wickets that he took during the 1992
World Cup of Allan Lamb and then Chris Lewis. Such magnificent inswingers
that bewitched the English batsmen was simply a breathtaking sight.
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