Sign In
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
Pakistan icon Wasim Akram is widely regarded as one of the greatest left-arm fast bowlers in cricket history. He dominated the One Day International (ODI) format with his lethal swing and reverse swing bowling. In his formidable ODI career, he played in five editions of the ICC ODI Cricket World Cups (1987, 1992, 1996, 1999, and 2003) and took 55 wickets in 38 World Cup matches, making him the fifth-highest wicket-taker in the tournament's history.
Akram played in five different editions of the ICC Cricket World Cup, appearing in 38 matches throughout his career. He established himself as one of the greatest fast bowlers in World Cup history, taking a total of 55 wickets at an impressive average of 23.84 and a remarkable economy rate of 4.04.
His best bowling performance in a World Cup match was 5/28. All the credit to these exceptional numbers, Akram is ranked as the fifth-highest wicket-taker in World Cup history. Only Glenn McGrath, Muthaiah Muralitharan, Mitchell Starc and Lasith Malinga are ahead of him.
Akram’s most memorable World Cup performance came in the 1992 Cricket World Cup, where he played a crucial role in Pakistan's memorable title-winning campaign. He took 18 wickets in that edition, the most by any bowler in the tournament. His brilliant performance in the final against England, where he took 3 wickets, including two wickets in consecutive deliveries, changed the course of the game and helped Pakistan secure their maiden World Cup title.
In his 50-over format career, Akram played 356 ODIs, taking 502 wickets at an average of 23.52. He was the first bowler in history to cross the 500-wicket mark in ODIs. His best bowling figures in an ODI match were 5/15.
1987 World Cup - Emerging as a young left-arm pacer, he managed to take 7 wickets in 7 games with an average of 42.14 and an economy of 4.65 in his debut World Cup.
1992 World Cup - Akram, despite his young age, led Pakistan’s bowling attack from the front and finished with 18 wickets. With bowling figures of 4/32 alongside an economy of just 3.76 and an impressive average of 18.77, Akram terrorised the opposition batters throughout the tournament. He was the key reason behind Pakistan winning the 1992 World Cup.
1996 World Cup - It was a tournament to forget for the left-arm pace sensation. In four innings, Akram managed to take only 3 wickets at an economy of 4.05.
1999 World Cup - Akram displayed his prowess in conducive conditions for fast bowling in England and helped Pakistan reach the final. He bagged 15 wickets in 10 games at an economy of 3.77 and the best bowling figure of 4/40.
2003 World Cup - The 2003 edition in South Africa was Akram's last hurrah on the world stage. The iconic fast bowler reached the magical milestone of completing his 500 wickets during the tournament and scalped 12 wickets in his last World Cup.
