Saeed Anwar, born on September 6, 1968, in Karachi, Pakistan, is a former Pakistani cricketer and one of the most prolific opening batsmen in the history of Pakistani cricket. He was known for his elegant stroke play, impeccable timing, and ability to score big centuries.
Anwar made his international debut in 1989, playing his first Test match against the West Indies. However, he truly rose to prominence during the 1993-1994 tour of Zimbabwe, where he scored his first Test century. He went on to establish himself as a key player in the Pakistani cricket team, forming successful opening partnerships with Aamir Sohail and later with Shahid Afridi.
One of the most memorable moments of Anwar’s career came in 1997 when he scored a remarkable 194 runs against India in Chennai, which was then the highest individual score in One Day International (ODI) cricket. He held this record for 13 years until it was surpassed by Sachin Tendulkar. Anwar also holds the record for the highest number of centuries for Pakistan in ODIs with 20 centuries.
Throughout his career, Anwar played 55 Test matches, scoring 4052 runs at an average of 45.52, including 11 centuries and 25 half-centuries. In ODIs, he played 247 matches and scored 8824 runs at an average of 39.21, including 20 centuries and 43 half-centuries. He was known for his ability to perform well under pressure and often played match-winning innings for his team.
Anwar retired from international cricket in 2003, following Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the World Cup. After his retirement, he briefly served as the batting coach for the Pakistani national team. Anwar’s elegant style of batting and his contribution to Pakistani cricket made him a beloved figure among cricket fans in Pakistan and around the world.
Outside of cricket, Saeed Anwar is a devout Muslim and has been actively involved in religious activities. In 2003, he made headlines when he announced his retirement from cricket to focus on his religious pursuits. He has since been involved in various philanthropic and charitable endeavors.
Saeed Anwar’s contribution to Pakistani cricket and his memorable performances have left a lasting legacy. He is regarded as one of the finest batsmen produced by Pakistan and is often mentioned in discussions about the country’s all-time greats.