Nicknamed as Rawalpindi Express, Shoaib Akhtar is undoubtedly one of the most successful Test bowlers in the world.
Akhtar had a glorious Test cricket career. He played 46 Test Matches and picked up 147 wickets with having a best figure of 6/11.
Shoaib was born on 13 August 1975 and started playing for Pakistan in the Year 1997. He played for the Test team and ODI team of Pakistan.
Akhtar’s cricket career stretched for a span of 14 years and he retired in 2011. Akhtar had bowled some beautiful spells in Test cricket during this 14 year span. And today on his birthday, we will go down the memory lane to have a look at Shoaib Akhtar’s top bowling performances in Test cricket.
Shoaib Akhtar: Top 3 Bowling Performances in Test Cricket
3. 4/71 Against India in 1999
The rivalry between India and Pakistan is one of the most furious rivalry in cricket. The matches played between the two teams is watched by millions of fans worldwide. Shoaib had a fierce rivalry with Indian batters and especially Sachin Tendulkar. Both the players have faced each other multiple times in International cricket and have outshined each other in multiple occasions.
Shoaib’s third best performance came in Test cricket against India in the year 1999. The match was being played in Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
Shoaib’s spell included wickets of Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar. This was one of Akhtar’s best Test cricket bowling spell.
2. 5/21 Against Australia in 2002
Australia is the most successful test team in the history of cricket. They have produced some of the finest batsmen in cricket. Shoaib was able to trash the mighty Australian batting line-up with his bowling.
Shoaib Akhtar’s second best Test figure came against the Aussies where he took 5 wickets and only conceded 21 runs in exchange.
Akhtar successfully dismissed Steve Waugh, Mark Waugh, Adam Gilchrist, and Shane Warne. He was able to pick crucial wickets for Pakistan.
1. 6/11 against New Zealand in 2002
Akhtar was in his prime in early 2000s. His best figures in Test came in the year 2002 against New Zealand when Pakistan hosted them.
The match was being played in Gaddafi Stadium and Shoaib was able to register his best bowling figures of 6/11 that included crucial wickets of Mark Richardson, Stephen Fleming, Chris Harris, Brook Walker, and Chris Martin.
