Imam-ul-Haq, the Pakistan batter, recently unveiled his all-time ODI XI for the Pakistan National Cricket Team. His select?ion reflects a blend of iconic players spanni?ng different eras of Pakistan cricket.

Opening prowess

For the opening pair, Imam chose Saeed Anwar and Babar Azam. Saeed, widely regarded as one of Pakistan’s best batters ever, earned his place at the top due to his prolific run-scoring and consistency. Babar, current captain of the team and one of the finest ODI batters globally, was selected to open alongside Anwar, primarily because of his outstanding performances over the past seven years.

“Since it was very difficult for me to set [him] in the middle order. So, I went for Babar Azam as the opener. The way he has performed in ODI cricket for the last seven years his performances for Pakistan are very good,” Imam was quoted as saying by A Sports.

Middle order dominance

Moving to the middle order, Imam picked Javed Miandad, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Yousuf. These three stalwarts were pivotal in Pakistan’s success in ODIs, providing stability and match-winning performances throughout their careers.

Also READ: Champ??ions Trophy 2025: India vs Pakistan match set on March 1 in Lahore; BCCI yet to conf?irm

Captain Marvel

Imran Khan, the legendary all-rounder who led Pakistan to their maiden World Cup victory in 1992, was chosen as the captain of the team. Known for his exceptional leadership and all-round skills, Imran Khan’s influence on Pakistan cricket in the 80s and 90s was immense.

Safe hands and power with the bat

In the wicketkeeper-batter role, Imam opted for Kamran Akmal. Despite other options like Moin Khan and Sarfaraz Khan, Akmal’s ability to deliver match-winning innings in ODIs swayed Imam’s decision.

“I’ll go with Kamran Akmal as the wicketkeeper-batsman. It was a bit tricky for me. There were a lot of options like Moin bhai and Saifi bhai but I’ll go with Kamran Akmal because he has a lot of match-winning performances in ODIs,” Imam concluded.

Bowling arsenal

Turning to the bowling department, Imam selected Saqlain Mushtaq, Mohammad Asif, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis. Saqlain, known for his mastery of spin bowling and invention of the “doosra,” provided variety to the attack. Asif, renowned for his accuracy and ability to trouble batter, complemented the lethal pace duo of Akram and Younis, who are considered among the most feared bowlers in cricket history.

The 12th Man

Shahid Afridi, a dynamic all-rounder known for his explosive batting and effective leg-spin bowling, was named as the 12th man in Imam’s XI, highlighting his impact despite not making the starting lineup. While his son-in-law and Pakistan’s current leader of pace attack, Shaheen Afridi failed to make his place in the roaster.

Also ?READ: Ahmed Shehzad reveals his ?all time Pakistan XI; no place for Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi

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Ahmed Shehzad, a former cricketer, recently revealed his ultimate Pakistan XI during a local channel show, focusing solely on legends from previous generations as current players failed to find a place in Shehzad’s line-up.

Pakistan’s opening duo

Shehzad chose Saeed Anwar and Majid Khan as his opening pair. He praised Anwar’s versatility across the ground and admired Majid’s stylish batting and numerous records from his era.

“Saeed Anwar was a universally loved player who could dominate from any position on the field. I’ve watched many videos of Majid Khan, and his batting style was elegant with numerous records from his era,” Shehzad was quoted as saying by Pakistan Today.

Middle-Order Maestros

In the middle order, Shehzad included Zaheer Abbas, known for his aesthetic cover drives and dominance over bowlers. Younis Khan, recognized for his diligent work ethic and impressive stats, was a must-have for Shehzad. Javed Miandad, a childhood hero of Shehzad’s, found his place due to his undeniable impact. Shahid Afridi‘s dual ability to smash sixes and bowl spin made him a challenging but deserving choice. Moin Khan was selected as the wicket-keeper for his neat takes behi??nd the stumps.

“He [Zaheer Abbas] was pleasing to the eye, the cover drive was great and used to dominate the bowlers. Younis Khan was a hard-working player with very good stats. Having him on any side is icing on the cake. I know I have placed him below but how can I miss Javed Miandad? Growing up watching him play, I had to adjust to him somewhere in my team. Shahid Afridi is the batter who can hit sixes and bowl spin. It was a tough call but for the wicketkeeper spot, Moin Khan used to take neat takes with the ball going smoothly in his gloves,” the 32-year-old added.

Also READ: Wasim Akram names?? his choice for Pakistan’s captaincy after th?eir T20 World Cup 2024 exit

Bowling powerhouses

Shehzad’s bowling lineup featured Saqlain Mushtaq, credited as the ‘Doosra’ pioneer, for his match-winning performances and impressive statistics. Wasim Akram, an iconic figure in cricket, was an automatic selection due to his legendary achievements. Mohammad Zahid, known for his pace and?? skill, added depth to the pace attack alongside Shoaib Akhtar, one o??f the fastest bowlers in cricket history.

“Saqlain has won us matches and has great stats. It’s impossible if someone is playing in their childhood and is not following Wasim Akram and his achievements. Zahid played very little cricket and I remember once Brian Lara said, he is the fastest I have ever played,” Shehzad concluded.

No place for Babar Azam

Shehzad’s decision to exclude current captain Babar Azam from his ultimate Pakistan XI and other high-profile platers like Shaheen Afridi shows his doubt on the potential on the current crop, especially given Babar’s stature as one of Pakistan’s modern cricketing icons known for his consistent run-scoring and leadership qualities.

However, Pakistan faced an embarrassing defeat in the T20 World Cup 2024, exiting at the group stage. Throughout the tournament, Shehzad’s frustration over Babar’s captaincy has become increasingly apparent. Several media reports indicated tension between Shehzad and skipper Babar, with whom he had previously shared the field in age-group cricket.

Also READ: Who was the Einstein who made Babar Azam ca??ptain?�: Shoaib Akhtar rips apart Pakistan skipper after abysmal T20 World Cup 2024 performa??nce

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Left-handed batters have long held a special place in the cricketing world, captivating fans and experts alike with their unique approach and elegance at the crease. From the grace of their strokes to the impeccable timing of their shots, left-handed players have played a pivotal role in shaping the aesthetic side of cricket. The artistry and flair associated with left-handed batting have produced some of the most memorable moments in the sport’s history.

Distinctive style and impact

Left-handers bring a distinctive style to the game, often described as more artistic and graceful. Their ability to seamlessly orchestrate cover drives, flicks, and square cuts adds a touch of finesse to the cricketing landscape. Over the years, legendary left-handed batters like Sir Garfield Sobers, Brian Lara and Kumar Sangakkara have not only entertained but also redefined the standards of elegance in cricket. The impact o??f left-handed batting extends beyond a??esthetics, influencing strategies, and providing teams with a different dimensions,

In the modern landscape of cricket, Shan Masood, Pakistan‘s ODI captain, stands out as one of a most elegant left-handed brilliance. His batting style combines classical strokes with a contemporary touch of aggression, making him a formidable force on the field.

‘Pick the Best’ fun segment

Currently captaining Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Masood was tasked with naming his favourite choice for the best left-handed batter of all time in the world cricket history during a fun segment named “Pick the Best” with Cricwick.

In this segment, two options are presented simultaneously, and the participant must choose one among them. The chosen option is then compared to the next one, and this process continues until the ultimate choice is made. The first two options were David Warner and Chris Gayle, and Masood went with ?Warner. As the compa??risons continued, Masood consistently chose Sangakkara over many fellow legends.

Also READ: Misbah-ul-Haq selects Pakistan’s batting order for?? the T20 World Cup 2024

The ultimate choice

He continued to prefer Sangakkara over the likes of Sourav Ganguly, Michael Hussey, Alastair Cook and others until the moment when the most elegant left-handed batter Pakistan ever produced, Saeed Anwar, burst onto the screen. From that point on, Masood remained steadfast in choosing Anwar, irrespective of whoever was presented, whether it’s Adam Gilchrist, Yuvraj Singh or Shivnarine Chanderpaul. He even emphasized that now that Anwar has entered the discussion, there’s no need to ask any more questions.

Prolific scorer and record holder

Anwar, with his exquisite technique and elegant style, stands as a testament to the artistry of left-h?anded batting in c??ricket history. His ability to time the ball with finesse showcased a level of grace that few could match.

Anwar’s prowess wasn’t just about elegance; he was a prolific batter who etched his name in the record books. Holding the record for the third-highest run-scorer in ODI cricket for Pakistan, he amassed a staggering 8,824 runs. His reliance on timing and placement, rather than sheer power, set him apart in both Test and ODI formats, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s cricketing success.

Breaking barriers and setting records

Anwar’s impact extended beyond mere runs. He achieved a historic feat by becoming the first Pakistan batter to score a century against India on Indian soil in an ODI match. His monumental innings of 194 in Chennai stood as the highest individual score in limited-overs international cricket for an impressive 12 years, underlining his dominance and skill on the cricketing stage.

Also READ: “He knows what wi??ll increase…� Sourav Ganguly’s wife makes sweet allegations against Dada

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Ashish Nehra, the former Indian pacer, has lavished praises on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) all-rounder Moeen Ali.

Ali plied for his trade in Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) b?efore being bought by CSK at the 2021 IP?L auction.

Coming in to bat at number three, the southpaw proved his worth by smashing 206 runs in six games at a spect??acular average of 34.33 and an excellent strike of 157.97. With the ball, too, Ali bagged five scalps in the six games he has played at an extraordinary average of 14.80. However, it was his batting performance that? caught the attention of Nehra.

Nehra applauded the English cricketer for his easy-going attitude and went as far as comparing the latter to former Pakistan batter Saeed Anwar, who never allowed pressure to go better of him.

“Moeen [Ali] is a very chilled out and relaxed person. I see shades of Saeed Anwar in his batting. He never seems under pressure. He is a utility player and MS Dhoni is utilising him really well,” Nehra told Cricbuzz on Tuesday.

The cricketer-turned-analyst also pointed out that if an all-rounder like Ali can smash 40-45 runs in every three to four matches, the result will definitely swing in his team’s favour. The Delhi-born also gave a pat on the back of Ali for scoring decent runs in IPL 2021.

“Before today, he was only scoring 30 or 40 runs but now he has crossed that. If a player like Moeen Ali, who can contribute with both bat and ball, provides you with 40-45 runs after every three or four matches; then things will work out in your favour,” Nehra added.

The MS Dhoni-led side have occupied the second spot in the IPL 2021 points-tabl?e, winning five out of seven ma??tches and would be hoping to reach the playoffs whenever the tournament resumes.

So far 29 of the 60 games have been played in the 14th season and the BCCI is exploring the option of holding the remaining 31 games in Sep?tembe??r.

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Former England captain Nasser Hussain has chosen the four batsmen he would spend money to witness them play. Reno?wned analyst as well as commentator, Hussain, picked Pakistan’s legendary opening batsman Saeed Anwar at first.

“In terms of being easy on the eye, Saee?d Anwar had an elegance and grace through the off-side?,�said Nasser during his Q&A session with Daily Mail.

Anwar, with almost 13,000 internatio??nal career runs, was one of the standout performers for his country. He remained at the top in both forms of the game in his 14-year-long illustrative career.

Then, Hussain went on to stage his admiration for the in his 14-year-long illustrative career., Lara. Further, the Englishman named current Indian captain Virat Kohli in pursuit of run chases as part of the four cricketers he’d pay t??o watch.

“I’ve been watching some old f??ootage of Brian Lara with that big back-lift and, wow, could he bat. Virat Kohli in a 50-over run chase. He just se??ems to chase down any score every time,�Hussain said.

David Gower, whose cover drive was most elegant ones, was also included in the wishlist of Hussain. “But I have to go for my childhood hero David Gower. I remember an ear??ly game against Leicestershire and I was at cover point as he leant on one and before I could move it hit the boundar?y boards behind me. Everything I had admired was there in front of my eyes,�he added.

Gower notched up more than 11,300 runs for the Three Lions in his cricketing career – from 1978 to 1992. Having scored 25 centuries and 51 half-centuries, the Kent-born was a stalwart in the Brits’ lineup.

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Amid lockdown, many current and former cricketers are? engaging in different activities to pass the time and also interact with fans on social media. Recently, legendary off-spinner from Australia Shane Warne revealed his favourite teams from all the nations. Now, the trend has been carried forward by former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi.

Afridi named his all-time XI which featured m?any legends of the game. He picked cricket icon, Sachin Tendulkar, as the only Indian in his XI. Afridi included five Pakistani, four Australians and one South African in his team.

Afridi picked Saeed Anwar and Adam Gilchrist as the openers. Anwar has scored 4052 runs in 55 Tests with an average of 45.50, including 11 hundreds and 25 fifties. Gilchrist, on the other hand, has clubbed 5570 runs ?in 96 Tests wit??h 204 being his highest score.

At number three, Afridi went with former Aussie skipper Ricky Ponting, while Tendulkar was chosen for number four spot. Tendulkar with 15921 runs in 200 Tests is the highest run-scorer in red-ball format, while Ponting wi??th 13378 runs is right behind Tendulkar at the second place.

For the following position, Afridi picked one of the finest Pakistani batsman Inzamam-ul-Haq. The former Pakis?tani captain scored 88??30 runs in the longest format. He also smashed 25 tons and 46 half-centuries.

Afridi went with Jacques Kallis as the? only all-rounder. While Rashid Latif was picked for the role of wicket-keeper. Among bowlers, the 40-year-old went with Shane Warne as the only spinner in his team. Warne has taken 708 wickets in 145 Tests and is the second-highest wicket-taker in red-ball cricket.

For the pacers, the power-striker picked Pakistan’s Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar, and Australia’s Glenn McGrath. The trio took 1155 wickets in Test cricket.

Here is Shahid Afridi’s all-time XI:

Saee?d Anwar, Adam Gilchrist, Ricky Ponting, Sachin Tendulkar, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Jacques Kallis, Rashid Latif (wk), Wasim Akram, Shane W??arne, Glenn McGrath, Shoaib Akhtar.

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Pakistan’s limited-overs cricket stalwart, Mohammad Hafeez recently during an interaction with a fan on Twitter, ranked the top five batsmen in the world.

There, Haf??eez included two Indians in the list, none other than batting maestros Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.

In his star-stud??ded list, he also included former Pakistan’s talismanic opener Saeed Anwar wh??o dominated world cricket with the bat for several years.

Further, the Pakistan veteran all-ro??under picked two batsmen who revolutionized the batting game, namely, Sir Vivian Richards and AB de Villiers.

“Let’s start Q/A session,” Hafeez posted earlier using the hashtag ‘#AskMH,’. To which one of the fans asked, “Your top 5 batsmen in the world?”

The franchise cricket wayfarer responded with, “@BrianLara, @sachin_rt, @imVkohli, Saeed Anwar & @ABdeVilliers17.”

Lets start Q/A session #AskMH

— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) April 1, 2020

Your top 5 batsman in the world?

— Asim Qamar (@AsimQamar6) April 1, 2020

@BrianLara @sachin_rt @imVkohli Saeed Anwar & @ABdeVilliers17

— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) April 1, 2020

Hafeez last featured in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) donning the colours of Quetta Gladiators. During one of the innings against Islamabad U??nited, Hafeez lit up the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore with his sparkling unbeaten knock of 95.

The all-rounder who featured in more than 300 internationals in white-ball cricket has been out of Pakistan ODI’s selection scheme post World Cup last year.

However, Hafeez, along with Shoaib Malik, remain in T20I plans for th?e Men in Green. The duo would be loo??king forward to hanging their boots after the T20 World Cup in Australia, scheduled later in 2020.

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On Sunday (22nd January), Australian opener David Warner got into the list of players who sc??ored fastest 12 ODI centuries.

The left-hander smashed 130 runs off 119 balls against Pakistan in the 4th ODI of the ongoing five-match series. This is Warner’s eighth ODI century in last 12 months. He took 93 innings to complete his 12 ODI centuries.

The South African basman Hashim Amla is the fastest in the world to score 12 ODI?? hundreds. Amla took only 81 innings to achieve this feat.

Here is the complete list of top 10 batsmen fastest to 12 ODI centuries:

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