Saeed Anwar

He was one of the best opening and stylish batsmen of his time that played cricket. Majestic timing and placement were Saeed Anwar’s hallmarks. He was an opener capable of electrifying starts in all cricket through graceful stroke play rather than brute force. He loved driving through the off side with minimal footwork. His strength lied on finding the gaps and driving the ball through theses gaps to score 4’s.

The free scoring left-handed batsman and slow left-arm spin bowler made his first-class debut in 1986-'87, and went through the grind of Under-19 matches, later playing with great authority for Karachi, United Bank and ADBP. Anwar came into the limelight against the 1988 Australians by scoring 127 for NWFP Governor's XI at Peshawar -- his first appearance against an international team.
Given the freedom to play his normal attacking, enterprising game, he developed into Pakistan's most successful one day opener, and in time matured into a highly responsible opening batsman in Test cricket as well.

His batting abilities were best against India and his favorite venue was Sharjah. He scored more then half of his centuries in sharjah. He was 3^rd player to reach 15 centuries, he also made a World Record of scoring an amazing 194 runs against India. His weakness was of driving ball straight into the hands of fourth slip or gully.

His record is good, he played 247 matches and scored at any average of 39.21.

Apart from batting he was a brilliant fielder -- whether in close catching positions or patrolling the region square of the wicket on either side -- his biggest asset remains his ability to get runs on either side of the wicket to both pace and spin bowling.

In year 2001 Saeed had one of the worst times not because of his form but suddenly his very young daughter about 5 years old died .That was a turning point for him. He collapsed internally, and same time injury struck him. He was out of limelight and cricket for about 2 years, when he returned he was a changed man from inside , he had grown a big beard became very religious and in the World Cup 2003 which was Pakistan’s worst ,he managed to make a century, scored modest runs ,and had highest batting average from Pakistan’s Squad. After the cup all the senior players were dropped including Saeed Anwar, then he declared retirement after playing 13 years plus of cricket .Now days he spends a quite life and wants to spread the message of God through Islam.

Saeed Anwar will always be remembered as of of the finest batsman that have played the game of cricket.

         Ad

Banner-1 Size Pixels=460h x 110w

 

Banner 2             Size            Pixels= 65hx110w

 

Banner 4             Size            Pixels= 65hx110w