Top 3 bowling performances of Shoaib Akhtar in ODIs

Pakistan’s former fast bowler, Shoaib Akhtar, was known as the ‘Rawalpindi Express’ for his fantastic bowling in all the formats of the game. He was an asset to Pakistan’s playing XI throughout his career. He was an expert in all formats, especially in red-ball cricket. Even today, he is the fastest bowler in cricketing history, with an unbeaten 161.3 kph delivery. He made his Test debut in November 1997 and his ODI debut in February 1998. He hails from Rawalpindi and was bowling at a consistent speed during his time. Hence, he was known as the Rawalpindi Express. 

Let’s discuss the top three bowling performances of Shoaib Akhtar in ODIs:

1. 6 wickets vs New Zealand

Shoaib Akhtar’s best performance came against New Zealand, where he claimed a 6-wicket haul. In 2002, New Zealand came to Pakistan to play an ODI series where Akhtar played beautifully. With his help, the Kiwis were all out for 122 runs, and Pakistan won the game by 153 runs. For his brilliant performance, Akhtar won the Player of the Match award. In that match, Mohammad Yousuf scored 125 runs off 155 balls. 

2. 5 wickets vs New Zealand

In 2001, Akhtar claimed a 5-wicket haul against New Zealand, dismissing some of the best batters in the world. He bowled 6.3 overs, claimed five wickets, and conceded just 19 runs. The Kiwi batters were terrified of his bowling and couldn’t play him at all. In the first innings, New Zealand scored just 149 runs, and Pakistan won the game by six wickets. 

3. 5 wickets vs Australia

In eight overs, Akhtar claimed five wickets and conceded just 25 runs. Pakistan scored 256 runs in the first innings and won the match by 91 runs since the Aussies couldn’t chase. Facing the fierce Shoaib Akhtar was nothing less than a nightmare for the batters. Akhtar was the Player of the Match and the Player of the Series in the Australia tour in 2002. 

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