Introduction
Saeed Anwar, one of Pakistan’s most celebrated cricketers, is renowned for his elegant batting style and consistency at the top of the order. Born on September 6, 1968, in Karachi, Pakistan, Anwar became a pivotal figure in Pakistan’s cricketing history during the 1990s. Known for his fluent stroke play and the ability to dismantle any bowling attack, he is best remembered for his record-breaking innings of 194 against India in 1997, which was the highest individual score in ODIs at the time.
Player Profile
- Full Name: Saeed Anwar
- Date of Birth: September 6, 1968
- Birthplace: Karachi, Pakistan
- Role: Opening Batsman
- Batting Style: Left-handed
- Bowling Style: Right-arm off-break (occasionally)
- International Debut:
- Test: January 23, 1990, vs West Indies
- ODI: January 1, 1989, vs West Indies
- T20I: Did not play
Career Statistics
Test Cricket
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | 100s | 50s | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 55 | 4,052 | 45.52 | 11 | 25 | 188* |
ODI Cricket
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | 100s | 50s | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | 247 | 8,824 | 39.21 | 20 | 43 | 194 |
T20I Cricket
Saeed Anwar did not play T20 International cricket.
Achievements and Milestones
- World Record: Held the record for the highest individual score in ODIs (194 against India in 1997) until 2009.
- Fastest Century: Scored one of the fastest centuries in ODI cricket in just 60 balls against Sri Lanka in 1996.
- Most Centuries: Was Pakistan’s leading century-maker in ODIs, with 20 centuries to his name at the time of his retirement.
- Top Order Maestro: Played a key role in Pakistan’s successful campaigns in the 1996 and 1999 Cricket World Cups, where Pakistan reached the quarter-finals and finals, respectively.
Hidden Facts
- Engineering Background: Saeed Anwar holds a degree in Computer System Engineering from NED University of Engineering and Technology in Karachi, showcasing his academic prowess alongside his cricketing career.
- Personal Tragedy: After the tragic loss of his daughter in 2001, Anwar took a break from cricket and returned with a more spiritual outlook, often seen with a beard in accordance with Islamic tradition.
- Reluctant Start: Anwar initially did not want to pursue cricket as a full-time career, preferring academics, but was persuaded by his father to give it a try.
Records and Legacy
- Most Runs in a Calendar Year: In 1996, Anwar scored 1,593 runs in ODIs, the most by any batsman in a calendar year at that time.
- Match-Winning Knocks: Anwar’s 194 against India in Chennai remains one of the most memorable innings in cricket history, showcasing his class and mental fortitude.
- Role Model: Anwar’s grace and technique have inspired a generation of Pakistani batsmen, with many aspiring to emulate his stylish play.
Conclusion
Saeed Anwar’s contribution to Pakistani cricket is immense, with his records and performances etched in the annals of cricket history. A true match-winner, his legacy continues to inspire young cricketers, not just in Pakistan, but around the world. Despite the highs and lows of his career, Anwar remains a beloved figure in cricket, remembered for his elegance, humility, and resilience on and off the field.
Sources
Wisden Almanack: Pakistan Cricket History
ESPNcricinfo: Saeed Anwar Player Profile
CricketArchive: Saeed Anwar Statistics
PCB Official Website: Player Records
Image Source: Images.cricket.com
