Waqar Younis

Waqar Younis is one of the greatest fast bowlers in cricket history and, alongside Wasim Akram, the co-inventor of modern reverse swing. Born on 16 November 1971 in Burewala, he burst onto the international scene in 1989 at age 17 with a devastating debut series in India.

Career

Waqar took 373 Test wickets and 416 ODI wickets, with an astonishing career strike rate that remains among the best for any fast bowler. His toe-crushing yorkers and in-swinging reverse deliveries made him the most feared quick of the early 1990s. He holds the record for the best Test bowling figures by a captain — 7 for 76 against Zimbabwe — and took five-wicket hauls in abundance.

He twice captained Pakistan and later became a highly successful bowling coach, mentoring the next generation of Pakistani fast bowlers. He served as Pakistan's head coach in 2020-21, during which the team beat South Africa and Zimbabwe and drew high-profile series, before returning to work with franchise cricket, including the PSL's Karachi Kings.

Legacy

Waqar Younis is credited, alongside Wasim Akram, with revolutionising fast bowling through reverse swing, and he remains one of the most respected figures in the game. His coaching career has extended his influence over Pakistani cricket well beyond his playing days.