Pakistan is known as the factory of fast bowlers, the Country is known for producing some of the greatest pacers ever to play the game. Pakistan has always been a powerful bowling unit not only in Asia but also in world cricket. But here in this article we are going to see some of the best bowling performances by Pakistan in the Asia Cup.
From Aaqib Javed’s swing in the early 90s to Amir reannouncing himself on the global stage in 2016. Pakistan have always produced some of the most memorable performances in the Asia Cup
As the Asia Cup is just around the corner the Cricket carnival will once again turn their heads towards the sub continent to see who emerges as the new Asian Giants.
Read Also:- Most Centuries in Asia Cup History
With a new Pakistan squad that has some most promising talent they will look to announce themselves on the Global stage.
Here are five of the best bowling performances by Pakistani players in the Asia Cup:
| Player | Best Figures (Asia Cup) | Total Wickets (Asia Cup) | Status | Retired Year (if any) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aaqib Javed | 5/19 vs India (1995) | 7 wickets in 4 matches | Retired | 1998 |
| Shahid Afridi | 5/35 vs Sri Lanka (2010) | 14 wickets in 23 matches | Retired | 2017 |
| Mohammad Amir | 3/18 vs India (2016) | 10 wickets in 9 matches | Retired | 2020 (Test), 2020 (All formats for Pakistan) |
| Saeed Ajmal | 3/27 vs India (2012) | 11 wickets in 7 matches | Retired | 2017 |
| Hasan Ali | 4/36 vs Bangladesh (2018) | 6 wickets in 6 matches | Active Player | – |
1. Aaqib Javed – 5/19 vs India, 1995 (Sharjah)
In the 90s, Aaqib Javed’s career peaked with this spell. He faced India and troubled their batting lineup with his swing and accuracy. His final numbers were 5 wickets for 19 runs, one of the Best bowling figures in Asia Cup history. He took apart a strong Indian batting lineup and helped Pakistan defend a small score and beat India.
Aaqib Javed Career Status:
| Format | M | Inn | Wkts | Avg | Econ | SR | BBI | BBM | 5w | 10w |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 22 | 37 | 54 | 34.7 | 2.87 | 72.56 | 5/84 | 8/118 | 1 | 0 |
| ODI | 163 | 159 | 182 | 31.43 | 4.28 | 44.02 | 7/37 | 7/37 | 4 | 0 |
2. Shahid Afridi – 5/35 vs Sri Lanka, 2010 (Dambulla)
Shahid Afridi, known for his aggressive batting, sometimes surprised people with his bowling. In a big match against Sri Lanka in Dambulla, Afridi confused the Sri Lankan batsmen and took 5 wickets for 35 runs. He used subtle changes in his bowling to get rid of important players like Mahela Jayawardene and Thilan Samaraweera. Even if his batting was more famous, this game showed he could also be a dangerous bowler.
Shahid Afridi Career Status:
| Format | M | Inn | Wkts | Avg | Econ | SR | BBI | BBM | 5w | 10w |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 27 | 47 | 48 | 35.6 | 3.21 | 66.54 | 5/52 | 5/43 | 1 | 0 |
| ODI | 398 | 372 | 395 | 34.51 | 4.63 | 44.73 | 7/12 | 7/12 | 9 | 0 |
| T20 | 99 | 97 | 98 | 24.45 | 6.63 | 22.12 | 4/11 | 4/11 | 0 | 0 |
| IPL | 10 | 10 | 9 | 25.0 | 7.5 | 20.0 | 3/28 | 3/28 | 0 | 0 |
3. Mohammad Amir – 3/18 vs India, 2016 (T20 Asia Cup, Dhaka)
Although it was not a 5-wicket haul, this bowling spell had a big impact. After being away for a while, Amir came back with a fast and scary spell under the lights in Mirpur. He got rid of Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane for no score in his first over. His 3 wickets for 18 runs shook up India’s top order and made people remember why he was once thought to be the next Wasim Akram. A truly intense performance.
However later Virat kohli’s masterclass in the run chase helped team India to clinch this nail biting thriller
Mohammad Amir Career Status:
| Format | M | Inn | Wkts | Avg | Econ | SR | BBI | BBM | 5w | 10w |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 36 | 67 | 119 | 30.48 | 2.86 | 64.03 | 6/44 | 7/64 | 4 | 0 |
| ODI | 61 | 60 | 81 | 29.63 | 4.78 | 37.2 | 5/30 | 5/30 | 1 | 0 |
| T20 | 62 | 61 | 71 | 21.94 | 7.08 | 18.61 | 4/13 | 4/13 | 0 | 0 |
4. Saeed Ajmal – 3/27 vs India, 2012 (Mirpur)
In a big match against India, Saeed Ajmal used his doosra and control to good effect. He got important wickets including Sachin Tendulkar after a sublime half century , but Kohli then scored a prolific 183 in a historic 330 run chase Still Ajmal’s smart bowling had already made things tough for India. His controlled bowling and calm head were key for Pakistan in a close game.
Saeed Ajmal Career Status:
| Format | M | Inn | B | Runs | Wkts | Avg | Econ | SR | BBI | BBM | 5w | 10w |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 35 | 67 | 11592 | 5003 | 178 | 28.11 | 2.59 | 65.12 | 7/55 | 11/111 | 10 | 4 |
| ODI | 113 | 112 | 6000 | 4180 | 184 | 22.72 | 4.18 | 32.61 | 5/24 | 5/24 | 2 | 0 |
| T20 | 64 | 63 | 1430 | 1516 | 85 | 17.84 | 6.36 | 16.82 | 4/19 | 4/19 | 0 | 0 |
5. Hasan Ali – 4/36 vs Bangladesh, 2018 (Abu Dhabi)
Hasan Ali showed he can take wickets with his 4 for 36 against Bangladesh. He used his pace and skillful variations to get important wickets and put pressure on the opposition. Even if Pakistan didn’t win the match, Hasan’s bowling was a bright spot in a tough tournament.
Hasan Ali Career Status:
| Format | M | Inn | Wkts | Avg | Econ | SR | BBI | BBM | 5w | 10w |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 24 | 46 | 80 | 27.31 | 3.05 | 53.69 | 5/27 | 10/114 | 6 | 1 |
| ODI | 68 | 66 | 102 | 31.17 | 5.80 | 32.22 | 5/34 | 5/34 | 4 | 0 |
| T20 | 56 | 55 | 69 | 23.64 | 8.65 | 16.39 | 5/30 | 5/30 | 1 | 0 |
