Wasim Akram 39 off 40 Balls 2 Four 2 Sixes vs Sri Lanka, 17th Match at Faisalabad, Oct 25 1987 (Pinch Hitter)

Mr. Devotor

In the 1987 Reliance Cricket World Cup, Pakistan captain Imran Khan surprised everyone by promoting a young Wasim Akram up the order as a pinch hitter against Sri Lanka in the 17th Match at Faisalabad.  The move worked brilliantly, as Wasim showcased his fearless batting style. He struck 39 runs off 40 balls, decorated with 2 fours and 2 sixes, at a brisk strike rate of 97.50. His innings featured a towering six off Don Anurasiri, a crisp sweep for four, a mighty six off Ravi Ratnayake, and a boundary off Aravinda de Silva.  This cameo helped Pakistan post a formidable total of 297 runs and proved that Wasim’s talent was not limited to his lethal bowling. It was an early reminder of his all-round capabilities that would later make him one of cricket’s greatest match-winners.  👉 Relive this classic moment from the golden era of cricket, where a young Wasim Akram announced himself with bat in hand.  🔖 Hashtags:  #WasimAkram #CricketWorldCup1987 #PakistanCricket #ClassicCricket #ImranKhan #SriLankaCricket #CricketHighlights #PinchHitter #WasimAkramBatting

Transcript

00:00In the autumn of 1987, during the Reliance World Cup, Imran Khan revealed one of his

00:05many master strokes as captain.

00:08In the 17th match at Faisalabad on October 25, 1987, engaged Sri Lanka, he sent a young

00:14Vaseem Akram up the order as a pinch hitter.

00:17The decision bold as it was proved richly rewarding.

00:21Vaseem Akram, still in the formative years of his career, displayed a fearless brand

00:25of cricket that thrilled the Faisalabad crowd.

00:28He launched into the Sri Lankan attack with both elegance and authority.

00:32A towering six of Don Anurashiri towards the left side signalled his intent, followed by

00:37a crisp weep shot of war that showcased his hostility.

00:42The left-handed then dispatched Ravirith Naike into the stands at Deep Midwikar with another

00:47glorious six, before punishing Arvinda de Silva, lose full-toss delivery to the bond raid.

00:52It was the kind of knock that blended youthful audacity with natural flair, and one that

00:57underlined why Imran Khan had such faith in his prodigy.

01:02Anurashiri, from the pavilion end to Vaseem Akram, state one, a beautiful shot.

01:03Anurashiri, from the pavilion end to Vaseem Akram, state one, a beautiful shot.

01:09full run.

01:10full run.

01:11full run.

01:12full run.

01:13full run.

01:14full run.

01:15full run.

01:19A beautiful shot.

01:32Full run.

01:34.

01:53.

01:55.

01:56.

01:57.

01:58.

01:59.

02:00.

02:01.

02:02.

02:03.

02:04.

02:06.

02:07.

02:08.

02:09.

02:12.

02:13.

02:14.

02:19.

02:20.

02:21.

02:26.

02:30Driven to extra cover.

02:35A window to silver to...

02:37The up comes, tucked away.

02:41Two runs.

02:42We hurry the second.

02:50Pulled off.

02:54And we wait for the umpire signal at four.

02:57He's very rapidly got himself a very enthusiastic fan club here at the Gual Stadium, Ruti Makram.

03:04Down the wicket.

03:06And up in the air.

03:07And he might be out.

03:09And he's gone caught.

03:10It's a very fine catch by Ranatunga.

03:13Splendidly judged.

03:14Kept his eye on the ball.

03:15And that's the end of Ruti Makram.

03:19Very fine knock by Ruti Makram.

03:21He did the job.

03:22He was sent in fourth.

03:24Accelerated the score.

03:27He played some marvellous throws.

03:29Especially...

03:30One sec that he hit.

03:32Went out of the stadium.

03:37In all, Vaseem Akram compiled a sparkling 39 runs from just 40 deliveries.

03:42Laced with two fours and two sixes at a strike rate of 97.50.

03:46An innings that injected momentum into Pakistan's total of 297.

03:51This camo, though modest in numbers, carried the stamp of a future grade.

03:56A reminder that Vaseem Akram's genius was not confined to the ball alone, but could just as early turn the game with the bat.

04:04That knock at Faisalabad was more than just a pinch hitter flourish.

04:09It was an early glimpse of the temperament that would later make Vaseem Akram a character for all season.

04:15On a stage where pressure often subdued the inexperienced, he chose instead to play with freedom and conviction.

04:22Offering Pakistan not just a valuable run but also a new dimension to their batting depth.

04:27It was the kind of fearless approach that hinted at the all-around brilliance he would go on to deliver for decades in world cricket.

04:35If you like this video, please comment, share and subscribe. Thank you very much.

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