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Pakistan’s Top Wicket-Takers in International Cricket: Shaheen Afridi Nears Elite Company but Misses Top Five
Pakistan cricket has always been synonymous with world-class bowlers, from lightning-fast pacers to masterful spinners. In the latest chapter of this rich history, left-arm speedster Shaheen Shah Afridi claimed a stunning 4-51 against the West Indies in the first ODI of the three-match series at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad. The fiery spell not only sealed the win for Pakistan but also marked his entry into the 350-wicket club in international cricket at the age of just 25.
Despite this milestone, Shaheen has yet to break into Pakistan’s top 10 all-time wicket-takers, let alone the coveted top five. As he continues his upward climb, here’s a look at the five most successful bowlers in Pakistan’s cricketing history when it comes to wickets across all formats.
5. Saqlain Mushtaq – 496 Wickets
The man credited with inventing the “doosra,” Saqlain Mushtaq, remains one of the most dangerous off-spinners the game has seen. Making his debut in September 1995 against Sri Lanka, Saqlain became a key figure in Pakistan’s bowling unit for nearly a decade.
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Test cricket: 208 wickets in 49 matches at an average of 29.83.
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ODIs: 288 wickets in 165 innings at an average of 21.78.
Saqlain’s career ended at the age of just 27, but his numbers still place him among Pakistan’s elite.
4. Shahid Afridi – 538 Wickets
Best known for his explosive batting, Shahid “Boom Boom” Afridi was equally lethal with the ball. His clever leg-spin delivered countless breakthroughs for Pakistan in crunch situations.
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ODIs: 395 wickets in 372 innings.
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T20Is: 98 wickets in 99 matches.
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Tests: 48 wickets in 27 games.
Afridi’s career spanned from October 1996 to 2016, making him Pakistan’s highest wicket-taking spinner.
3. Imran Khan – 544 Wickets
Pakistan’s World Cup-winning captain Imran Khan was the ultimate all-rounder, amassing over 7,500 runs and 544 wickets in his career.
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Tests: 362 wickets in 142 innings at an average of 22.81, with 23 five-wicket hauls.
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ODIs: 182 wickets in 153 innings, including key scalps in the 1992 World Cup final.
His leadership and skill remain an enduring legacy in Pakistan cricket.
2. Waqar Younis – 789 Wickets
Known for his blistering pace and toe-crushing yorkers, Waqar Younis formed one of the deadliest bowling duos in cricket alongside Wasim Akram.
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Tests: 373 wickets in 154 innings at 23.56.
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ODIs: 416 wickets, making him the third-highest wicket-taker in the format’s history.
Waqar retired at just 31, leaving fans wondering what more he could have achieved with a longer career.
1. Wasim Akram – 916 Wickets
Widely regarded as the greatest left-arm pacer in history, Wasim Akram still holds the record for most ODI wickets (502) in cricket history.
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Tests: 414 wickets, including 25 five-wicket hauls and five 10-wicket matches.
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ODIs: Match-winning performances, including the 1992 World Cup final, where he dismantled England’s batting with his devastating swing.
Wasim’s artistry with the ball remains unmatched and a benchmark for future generations.
Shaheen Afridi’s Journey Towards the Legends
Shaheen’s 350 wickets at just 25 years old is an incredible feat, and with his form and fitness, it’s only a matter of time before he joins the elite list of Pakistan’s greatest bowlers. His progress will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, especially with major tournaments like the ICC Champions Trophy on the horizon.
(Read more about Pakistan’s cricketing milestones in our in-depth cricket records feature)
For a full statistical breakdown of Pakistan’s bowling legends, you can visit the ESPNcricinfo records section.
