Former Pakistani cricketer and captain Saeed Anwar was left-armed great opening batsmen who represented the country in international cricket between 1989 and 2003. For his classic batting style, excellent technique, and tenacity, his performance is remembered till today. He is review of some notable performances of the great Pakistani cricketer.
Test Cricket Performance:
Saeed Anwar played 55 matches in Test cricket and scored 4052 runs at an average of 45.52, including 11 centuries and 25 half-centuries. His best Test innings was 188 runs vs India (Calcutta, 1999). This innings is considered one of his best and most memorable games, where he batted brilliantly against the Indian bowlers.
He was known for his patience against the new ball and his aggressive batting in the face of fast bowling.
Performance in One-Day Cricket:
Saeed Anwar’s name shined the most in One-Day Cricket, where he played 247 matches and scored 8824 runs at an average of 39.21. He has 20 centuries and 43 half-centuries to his name. Some of his memorable innings are:
194 runs vs India (Chennai, 1997). This innings remained the highest individual score in One-Day Cricket for a long time. He made this score in just 146 balls and completely overwhelmed the Indian bowlers.
He was considered one of the best left-handed batsmen in One-Day Cricket, and his timing was highly appreciated.
Other important things:
Saeed Anwar played a key role in leading Pakistan to important victories on several occasions.
He was one of the most successful openers of the 90s, performing brilliantly especially against spin bowling in Asia.
His batting was considered classic and stylish, and he was the backbone of the Pakistani batting line-up throughout his career.
World Cup Performance:
He represented Pakistan in the 1996, 1999, and 2003 World Cups. His brilliant batting (113 runs) in the semi-final of the 1999 World Cup played a major role in taking Pakistan to the final.
Retirement:
Saeed Anwar retired from cricket in 2003. His career is remembered for his consistency and ability to handle the team in difficult times. He is still considered one of Pakistan’s greatest openers.
