Greatest Pakistani Bowler

[Mr Cricket]

Who was the greatest Pakistani bowler ever. Was it Wasim or someone else vote now.

[Maranello]

There are only two contenders, but for me, the answer is Imran, undoubtedly. The only one to come close was Wasim, who had more natural talent than anyone else of his generation, from any country - the effortless run-up, the extraordinary wrist-action and the ability to extract swing and movement almost at will - Wasim was certainly a remarkable bowler.

However, given this abundant talent, Wasim underachieved drastically. Imran's record is better, despite missing the best three bowling years of his life through injury. He was a slow starter, and had to work very hard on his action, his run-up and his delivery over his first few years, but once he got there, the finished article was exceptional. He performed consistently for over a decade, often shouldering the attack solely on his own shoulders and excelled even when bowling on pitches on which most other fast bowlers (except perhaps Marshall) struggled. Add to that his phenomenal work-ethic and his horse-like stamina, and you have the complete Test bowler. Wasim runs him close, but in my view, Imran edges it.

[trojan!]

got to be Akram

[greg]

I voted Waqar,but for the reason that at the start of his career he was more devastating than either Wasim or Imran.Waqar's toecrushing inswinging yorkers are a legendary part of the game.

[Zainub]

What is Shoaib doing on that list?

[Mongoose]

I've chosen Imran. Maranello has already put forward most of the reasons. In addition, Imran was the godfather of reverse swing. Wasim and Waqar had a teacher to learn from. Imran had to do all that work for himself. Add in his leadership and batting qualities and you have very rare performer!

[sanizam]

Originally Posted by Mongoose

In addition, Imran was the godfather of reverse swing. Wasim and Waqar had a teacher to learn from.

Well it was Javed Miandad & Sarfraz Nawaz who invented the art of reverse swing and then it was transfered to Imran and than to Wasim and Waqar.... I have voted Wasim just for his bowling abilities...

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[Colourful Chaddi]

In terms of ability Wasim Akram had it all, im my opinon he had more talent then any other bowler in the history of the game and in a way Wasim under-achieved. Waqar's stock delivery was the in-swinging yorker, Michael Holding's stock delivery was the off-cutter and Fred Truemans stock delivery was the classic out swinger, Wasim Akram had all these deliverys and many more in his armoury and still 'only' achieved 400 odd test wickets.

For a bowler who could have complete control of out and in swing, reverse swing, line and length, yorkers and bouncers he under-achieved incredibily, the guy could even move the ball two ways before it reached the batsmen.

In terms of statistics and effort Imran Khan was the best Pakistani bowler but in terms of telent Wasim Akram beats them by a mile!

[Vrock]

For me, it's Akram, his control over swing and his yorker was very good as well. He also had every delivery in the book and his execution was brilliant.

[Captain]

Khan, what a role model.