Saeed Anwar

Saeed Anwar is regarded as one of the most elegant opening batsmen Pakistan has ever produced. Born on 6 September 1968 in Karachi, he made his international debut in 1989 and immediately impressed with his graceful strokeplay.

Career

Anwar's crowning achievement came on 21 May 1997, when he scored 194 against India in Chennai — then the highest individual score in ODI history, a record that stood until 2009. He scored 4,052 Test runs and 8,824 ODI runs, including 20 Test and 20 ODI centuries, and his duels with Indian fast bowler Venkatesh Prasad became legendary. He was a key member of Pakistan's 1992 World Cup-winning squad and captain of the side in 2001.

His batting was defined by its timing and cover-driving, and he was at his best against pace, particularly in the subcontinent. He retired in 2003.

Beyond cricket

After retiring, Saeed Anwar became deeply religious and has devoted much of his life to Islamic scholarship, spending years in South Africa studying. He occasionally appears as a commentator and remains a revered figure among Pakistani cricket fans for the sheer beauty of his batting.