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.
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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.
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