Pakistan has been home to some of the most remarkable bowlers in cricket history. From deadly pacers to masterful spinners, the best Pakistani bowlers of all time have made their mark on international cricket with incredible skill and match-winning performances.
Here’s a look at the Top 10 Best Pakisthani Bowlers of All Time:
10. Abdul Qadir

Abdul Qadir was a leg-spinner who brought new life to Pakistan’s bowling attack during the 1980s. His ability to make the ball spin both ways was a rare skill, making him one of the best Pakistani bowlers of all time. Qadir’s skill set was unmatched during his time, and he played a key role in Pakistan’s success in Test cricket. His consistency and influence on the game have left a lasting legacy in Pakistan cricket.
Player Name | Total Matches | Total Wickets | Total 5fers |
---|---|---|---|
Abdul Qadir | 171 | 368 | 5 |
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9. Abdul Razzaq

Abdul Razzaq was an all-rounder with exceptional swing bowling skills. He was a key figure in Pakistan’s bowling attack, particularly in the limited-overs format. His ability to swing the ball both ways and his knack for taking wickets in critical moments secured his place among the best Pakistani bowlers of all time. Razzaq’s consistency over the years made him a valuable player for Pakistan.
Player Name | Total Matches | Total Wickets | Total 5fers |
---|---|---|---|
Abdul Razzaq | 339 | 388 | 0 |
8. Umar Gul

Umar Gul was one of Pakistan’s most successful T20 bowlers. His ability to bowl deadly yorkers, especially in the death overs, made him a key asset for Pakistan in the shortest format of the game. Gul was part of the squad that won the 2009 ICC T20 World Cup and was one of the best Pakistani bowlers of all time in T20 cricket, with excellent wicket-taking abilities.
Player Name | Total Matches | Total Wickets | Total 5fers |
---|---|---|---|
Umar Gul | 237 | 427 | 0 |
7. Shoaib Akhtar

Shoaib Akhtar, also known as the “Rawalpindi Express,” was one of the fastest bowlers to ever grace the cricket field. His pace, reaching over 160 km/h, made him a daunting prospect for batsmen. Akhtar was known for his aggressive style and his ability to bowl at high speeds, placing him among the best Pakistani bowlers of all time. His remarkable pace, combined with his fierce competitiveness, made him a key figure in Pakistan’s bowling lineup.
Player Name | Total Matches | Total Wickets | Total 5fers |
---|---|---|---|
Shoaib Akhtar | 219 | 438 | 2 |
6. Saeed Ajmal

Saeed Ajmal was known for his brilliant off-spin and his “teesra,” a delivery that turned the opposite way. Although his career was overshadowed by controversies over his bowling action, there is no denying that Ajmal was one of the best Pakistani bowlers of all time. His skill in taking wickets in the middle overs made him a key player for Pakistan in both Test and limited-overs formats.
Player Name | Total Matches | Total Wickets | Total 5fers |
---|---|---|---|
Saeed Ajmal | 212 | 447 | 4 |
5. Saqlain Mushtaq

Saqlain Mushtaq was one of the finest off-spinners ever to play for Pakistan. Known for his “doosra,” a ball that spun in the opposite direction from conventional off-spin, Mushtaq was a match-winner for Pakistan. His incredible control and the ability to deceive batsmen made him one of the best Pakistani bowlers of all time. Saqlain played a crucial role in Pakistan’s bowling attack during the 1990s.
Player Name | Total Matches | Total Wickets | Total 5fers |
---|---|---|---|
Saqlain Mushtaq | 218 | 496 | 3 |
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4. Shahid Afridi

Shahid Afridi, although more famous for his explosive batting, was an effective bowler, especially in limited-overs cricket. His leg-spin, combined with his wicket-taking ability, made him a versatile and important bowler for Pakistan. Afridi’s performances in key moments helped Pakistan win many matches, cementing his place among the best Pakistani bowlers of all time.
Player Name | Total Matches | Total Wickets | Total 5fers |
---|---|---|---|
Shahid Afridi | 518 | 538 | 0 |
3. Imran Khan

Imran Khan was not only an exceptional fast bowler but also one of the best captains Pakistan has ever had. He led Pakistan to its first and only World Cup victory in 1992, and his leadership on the field was as crucial as his bowling skills. As one of the best Pakistani bowlers of all time, Khan’s ability to perform in big matches, especially in crucial Test series, made him a legend of the game.
Player Name | Total Matches | Total Wickets | Total 5fers |
---|---|---|---|
Imran Khan | 263 | 544 | 6 |
2. Waqar Younis

Waqar Younis was a master of reverse swing bowling. His ability to swing the ball at high speeds made him a deadly force, especially when bowling in the death overs. As one of the best Pakistani bowlers of all time, Younis formed a formidable partnership with Wasim Akram, together leading Pakistan’s bowling attack during the 1990s. Waqar’s consistency and ability to take wickets made him one of the greats.
Player Name | Total Matches | Total Wickets | Total 5fers |
---|---|---|---|
Waqar Younis | 349 | 789 | 5 |
1. Wasim Akram

Widely regarded as the best fast bowler of all time, Wasim Akram’s ability to swing the ball both ways made him a lethal weapon for Pakistan. He was instrumental in Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup victory and has the most wickets for any Pakistani bowler. Akram’s contributions to Pakistan cricket are unparalleled, and his ability to perform under pressure places him at the top of the list of the best Pakistani bowlers of all time.
Player Name | Total Matches | Total Wickets | Total 5fers |
---|---|---|---|
Wasim Akram | 460 | 916 | 7 |
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