Waqar Younis Debut 

Full Name: Waqar Younis Maitla

Date of Birth: November 16, 1971

Place of Birth: Vehari, Punjab, Pakistan

Playing Role: Right-arm fast bowler

Batting Style: Right-handed

Test Debut: November 15, 1989, against India

ODI Debut: October 14, 1989, against West Indies

T20I Debut: N/A (Waqar's international career predated the T20I format)

In the illustrious history of cricket, few names shine as brightly as Waqar Younis. Known for his remarkable ability to swing the ball at high speed, Waqar Younis earned a reputation as one of the most lethal fast bowlers to have ever graced the sport. His career spanned from 1989 to 2003, during which he left an indelible mark on the game, setting records and achieving incredible feats. Let's delve into the profile of this Pakistani cricket legend.

Waqar Younis Early Life:

Waqar Younis was born on November 16, 1971, in Vehari, Punjab, Pakistan. Cricket ran in his veins from a young age, and he displayed immense talent as a fast bowler even in his formative years. He was soon spotted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and was introduced into the world of professional cricket.

Waqar Younis International Debut:

Waqar made his international debut for Pakistan in a One Day International (ODI) against West Indies in 1989. His performance was electrifying, taking 4 wickets for just 40 runs, and it became evident that a cricketing sensation was emerging. His Test debut followed shortly in the same year against India.

Waqar Younis Swing Sultan

Waqar Younis's magical skill was his ability to swing the ball at a rapid pace. His ability to generate reverse swing, especially with the old ball, made him a nightmare for batsmen worldwide. He had a distinctive inswinging yorker known as the "toe crusher" that could dismantle any batting order. It wasn't long before he gained the nickname "The Sultan of Swing."

Waqar Younis Record-Breaking Achievements

Throughout his career, Waqar Younis achieved several remarkable records and milestones:

1. Fastest to 400 ODI Wickets

Waqar was the youngest fast bowler to reach 400 wickets in ODIs, accomplishing this milestone at the age of 27. His record-breaking pace and ability to pick wickets consistently made him an invaluable asset to the Pakistan cricket team.

2. Fastest to 50 ODI Wickets

In the 1990s, Waqar was also the quickest to reach 50 wickets in ODIs, achieving this feat in just 27 matches. This record underscores his early dominance in the limited-overs format.

3. Wicket-Taking Machine

Waqar Younis took a total of 789 wickets in international cricket, a tally that includes 789 wickets in ODIs and 416 in Test matches. His sheer volume of wickets showcased his incredible longevity and impact.

4. Devastating Bowling Figures

Waqar's best bowling figures in Test cricket were 7/76 against New Zealand, while in ODIs, he recorded figures of 7/36 against England. These performances highlight his ability to single-handedly dismantle opposition batting line-ups.

5. Bowling Partner with Wasim Akram

One of the defining aspects of Waqar's career was his partnership with fellow Pakistani bowler Wasim Akram. The two formed one of the most formidable fast-bowling duos in cricket history, terrorizing batsmen with their lethal swing and pace.

Legacy and Influence:

Waqar Younis's influence extended beyond his playing days. His impact on young fast bowlers in Pakistan and around the world is immeasurable. His unique skills in swing and reverse swing have been the subject of countless coaching sessions and tutorials, helping shape the next generation of bowlers.

Off the Field:

Off the field, Waqar is a charismatic figure known for his sportsmanship and dedication to the game. He has also served as a coach and commentator in the post-retirement phase of his career, contributing to the development and promotion of cricket.

International Career Summary:

Waqar Younis Fastest ball

Test Matches: 87

  • Wickets: 373
  • Best Bowling: 7/76
  • Bowling Average: 23.56
  • Bowling Strike Rate: 43.4

One Day Internationals (ODIs): 262

  • Wickets: 416
  • Best Bowling: 7/36
  • Bowling Average: 23.84
  • Bowling Strike Rate: 30.5

Notable Achievements:

  • Youngest fast bowler to reach 400 wickets in ODIs.
  • Fastest to 50 wickets in ODIs at the time.
  • Part of the Pakistan cricket team that won the Cricket World Cup in 1992.
  • Helped pioneer the art of reverse swing in cricket, becoming a master of this skill.

Waqar Younis was a fearsome and highly successful fast bowler, known for his ability to swing the ball both conventionally and with reverse swing. His partnership with Wasim Akram made Pakistan's bowling attack one of the most formidable in the world during the 1990s. He had a remarkable international career and remains one of Pakistan's all-time great cricketers.

Waqar Younis is a former Pakistani cricketer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers in the history of cricket. He was known for his ability to swing the ball both conventionally and in reverse, often at a high pace, making him a formidable force in the world of cricket. Here are some key highlights of his career and achievements:

International Debut: Waqar Younis made his international debut for Pakistan in a One Day International (ODI) match against West Indies in October 1989 and his Test debut against India in November 1989.

  • Bowling Prowess: Waqar was known for his devastating yorkers, which earned him the nickname "the toe crusher." He had the ability to generate immense speed and reverse swing, which made him a match-winner for Pakistan.
  • Record Fastest to 400 ODI Wickets: He became the fastest bowler to reach 400 wickets in ODIs, achieving this milestone at a young age.
  • Notable Records: Waqar took a total of 789 wickets in international cricket, with 789 wickets in ODIs and 416 wickets in Test matches.
  • Cricket Captain: He also had a stint as the captain of the Pakistan national team.
  • Career in Coaching: After retiring from international cricket, Waqar Younis had a successful career as a cricket coach. He served as the head coach of the Pakistan national team and worked with various T20 franchises.
  • Hall of Fame: He was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2013, recognizing his exceptional contributions to the sport.
Waqar Younis is a former Pakistani cricketer who is considered one of the greatest fast bowlers in the history of the sport. He had an illustrious international cricket career that spanned from 1989 to 2003. Here are some of his notable records and achievements:


  • Fastest to 400 wickets: Waqar Younis was the youngest fast bowler to reach 400 wickets in One Day Internationals (ODIs). He achieved this milestone at the age of 27.
  • Fastest to 50 wickets in ODIs: He was the quickest to reach 50 wickets in ODIs, achieving the feat in just 27 matches.
  • Most wickets in ODIs: Waqar Younis took a total of 789 wickets in international cricket, including 789 in ODIs and 789 in Tests.
  • Second-highest wicket-taker for Pakistan in Tests: He took 416 wickets in Test matches, making him the second-highest wicket-taker for Pakistan in Test cricket at the time of his retirement.
  • Bowler with 5-wicket hauls in ODIs: Waqar Younis is one of the bowlers with the most five-wicket hauls in ODIs. He achieved this feat 13 times in his ODI career.
  • Career-best bowling figures: His best bowling figures in Test cricket were 7/76 against New Zealand, and in ODIs, he had figures of 7/36 against England.

Waqar Younis formed a formidable bowling partnership with Wasim Akram, and the two are often regarded as one of the most lethal fast-bowling duos in cricket history. His ability to swing the ball at a high pace and his mastery of reverse swing made him a standout performer in the world of cricket.