Top 5 best bowling figures by Pakistan bowlers in test cricket

Wasim Akram is Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker in test cricket.

Pakistan have a rich history of producing world-class bowlers in test cricket. The country has seen many legendary bowlers who have dominated against batting line-ups across the globe.

From legendary seamer Wasim Akram to great spinner Saqlain Mushtaq to new sensation Shaheen Afridi, these Pakistan bowlers have showcased their talents and skillset to produce match-winning spells in the longest format.

While Pakistan are known to have a factory of fast bowlers, they have also had a few spinners who won games, both home and away.

In this article, we will look at the top five best bowling figures by Pakistan bowlers in test cricket.

Five best bowling figures by Pakistan bowlers in test cricket:

5. Noman Ali – 8/58 vs England, 2024

Noman Ali produced a match-winning spell against England in the second Multan test match in October 2024.

In their first innings, Pakistan made 366 and England scored 291. Left-arm spinner Noman Ali took three wickets in the first innings. The hosts then made 221 in the second innings and set a competitive target of 297 for England.

While chasing, the Three Lions surrendered against Noman’s spin bowling masterclass. He took eight wickets conceding only 58 runs as England were all out for 144 runs. The hosts won the match by 152 runs.

4. Sajid Khan – 8/42 vs Bangladesh, 2021

In the Mirpur test against Bangladesh in 2021, off-spinner Sajid Khan produced a terrific performance to win his country an away test match.

Batting first, Pakistan declared at 300/4 after their four batters notched up half-centuries. In reply, Bangladesh were crumbled for only 87 runs in front of Sajid’s trickery. The spinner bagged eight wickets in just 15 overs.

Bangladesh then managed only 205 runs in their second innings with Sajid taking a four-for. The visitors won the one-sided affair by an innings and eight runs. Sajid was named Player of the Match for his brilliant bowling show

3. Yasir Shah – 8/41 vs New Zealand, 2018

Hailed as one of Pakistan’s finest leg-spinners, Yasir Shah produced a match-winning spell against New Zealand during a test match in Dubai in 2018.

Batting first, New Zealand were bundled out for just 90 runs as Yasir Shah claimed eight wickets in 12.3 overs. In reply, Pakistan slammed 418/5d after Haris Sohail (147) and Babar Azam (127*) recorded magnificent centuries.

New Zealand scored 312 runs in their second innings with Yasir snapping six scalps. The Black Caps lost the match by an innings and 16 runs.

The leg-spinner Yasir was adjudged Player of the Match for snaring 14 wickets in the match.

2. Sarfaraz Nawaz – 9/86 vs Australia, 1979

Sarfaraz Nawaz’s 9/86 against Australia in Melbourne in 1979 is the best innings performance in an away test match by a Pakistani bowler.

Batting first, the visitors were all out for 196 as Rodney Hogg picked up four wickets. In reply, Australia managed only 168 where Pakistan speedster Imran Khan took four wickets and Sarfaraz Nawaz claimed two wickets.

The visitors then scored 353/9 before declaring in the second innings and set a competitive target of 382 for Australia. While defending the target, Nawaz bamboozled Australia by taking nine wickets and leading Pakistan to a 71-run victory.

1. Abdul Qadir – 9/56 vs England, 1987

Legendary leg-spinner Abdul Qadir holds the record for best bowling figures by a Pakistan bowler in test innings. Qadir produced a match-winning spell of 9/56 against England in the Lahore test in 1987.

Batting first, England were bundled out for 175 runs in the first innings as Qadir picked up nine wickets.

In reply, Pakistan opener Mudassar Nazar slammed 120 runs and took his side to 392 runs. The visitors were then bowled out for mere 130 runs in the second innings with Qadir snapping four scalps. The hosts won the one-sided match by an innings and 87 runs.

(All stats updated till 18th October, 2024)

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