Shoaib Akhtar turns 49 today: Here are the pacer’s 5 greatest bowling spells

1. 6/11 vs New Zealand, Lahore, 2002

A century from Mohammad Yousuf and a knock of 69 by Younis Khan carried the hosts to a good total of 275/6 after 50 overs. In reply, the Kiwi batters stood no chance against Akhtar as he went on an utter rampage. His 6-wicket haul massively helped Pakistan in bowling out the visitors for a mere 122 runs and won the match by 153 runs.

2. 6/16 vs New Zealand, Karachi, 2002

Akhtar was indeed the star of the Test match as he took a 5-wicket haul in the first innings and outdid himself by taking a 6-wicket haul in the second one. Thanks to his amazing spell in the second innings, the Kiwis were bowled out for only 103 runs setting up a target of 274 runs for the visitors to achieve. Thanks to great knocks from Mohammad Yousuf and Inzamam-ul-Haq, Pakistan achieved the target with 7 wickets to spare.

3. 6/30 vs New Zealand, Wellington, 2003

Akhtar again proved to be the best player for Pakistan in the match as his 6-wicket haul massively helped the hosts in bowling out Bangladesh for 361 runs in the first innings. Pakistan would get bowled out for 295 runs and lose the chance to take the lead. However, Akhtar again showed his brilliance in the second innings with figures of 4/30. The visitors got bowled out for only 96 runs, setting up a small target of 163 for the hosts. Pakistan easily scored the required runs and won the match by 9 wickets.

4. 6/50 vs Bangladesh, Peshawar, 2003

Akhtar loved playing against the Black Caps as 4 out of his 5 best spells in international cricket came against them. Batting first, the Kiwis again succumbed to Akhtar’s frighteningly fast bowling. Thanks to the 5-wicket haul New Zealand would be bowled out for a mere 149 runs in only 35.3 overs. In reply, Pakistan achieved the 150-run target comfortably and won the match by 6 wickets.

5. 5/19 vs New Zealand, Auckland, 2001