Top 3 bowling performances of Shoaib Akhtar in Tests

With his lightning-fast pace and belligerent nature, Shoaib Akhtar, sometimes known as the “Rawalpindi Express,” made a name for himself in Test cricket. He terrorised batting lineups all around the world with his ability to routinely surpass 150 km/h.

Akhtar played 46 Test matches between 1997 and 2007, taking 178 wickets at an average of 25.69. He was one of Pakistan’s most memorable fast bowlers due to his aggressive presence and game-winning spells, despite his injuries and controversies.

Here are the top 3 bowling performances of Shoaib Akhtar in Tests:

3. 4/71 vs India, Kolkata Test, 1999

Shoaib Akhtar announced himself to the world in the 1999 Asian Test Championship match against India at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. He removed Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar off consecutive deliveries in front of more than 100,000 fervent Indian supporters. He handed Tendulkar his only golden duck in Test cricket.

He breached Dravid’s defence with a furious inswinging yorker that uprooted the leg stump. The fans could not have imagined what transpired next as Tendulkar was sent back with another inswinging yorker which sent his middle stump.

2. 6/11 vs New Zealand, Lahore Test, 2002

Pakistan had batted first and posted a mammoth 643 runs thanks to Inzamam Ul Haq’s mammoth 329 and a century from Imran Nazir. New Zealand would have hoped to bat long at the batting-friendly pitch in Lahore but they were blown away by Shoaib Akhtar’s pace.

Akhtar picked 6/11, with all of his victims being either bowled or LBW, as they struggled against his pace and toe-crushing yorkers. New Zealand were cleaned up for 73 runs in their first innings. This performance demonstrated Akhtar’s capacity to destroy opponents on his own. His status as a match-winner was strengthened by the spell.

1. 5/48 & 6/30 vs New Zealand, Wellington Test, 2003

New Zealand once again faced the wrath of Shoaib Akhtar, this time in their own backyard. In a windy Wellington, his speed gained more force, movement and swing, and the New Zealand batters were unable to keep up with that. Akhtar picked 5/48 in the first innings as the Kiwis made 366.

New Zealand were at an advantage as Pakistan were folded for 196. However, Akhtar unleashed his fury in the second innings and blew them away with his 6/30 as New Zealand lost seven wickets for eight runs in 10.4 overs. Akhtar finished with 11 wickets and was named Player of the Match as Pakistan batters backed him with a stunning display to chase a 274-run target.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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