10 lesser known facts about Saeed Anwar

10 lesser known facts about Saeed Anwar: Saeed Anwar is easily one of the greatest stoke makers the world had seen. The Pakistani left hander was one of best at brutal hitting and playing elegant strokes. The calm composed player was one of the rare players from Pakistan whom the whole world, including India used to like. On occasion of Saeed Anwar’s 47th birthday, we look at 10 lesser known facts about the southpaw.

1. Saeed Anwar began his career as a spinner and No.9 batsman while playing for Malir Gymkhana.

2. According to Saeed Anwar, his father was a hard hitting club cricketer, who once struck the ball so hard that it almost cleared two grounds.

3. Saeed Anwar rectified his batting style with a tennis ball covered with tape in a garage bowled by a locality friend, Rashid Latif from distance of 14-yards. Latif, later went on to represent Pakistan as wicket keeper.

4. Saeed Anwar represented Untied Back Limited in Wills Cup in 1988, which faced International Airlines in finals of the tournament. In the final, Anwar struck two straight sixes in Wasim Akram’s bowling during his innings of 36.

5. Saeed Anwar represented North West Frontier Province Governor’s XI against visiting Australian team in warm up game in 1988. He walked out to bat at 75 for 3 in response to Australia XI’s 472 and struck a brilliant 127 in 156 balls against a strong bowling attack led by Craig McDermott.

6. Saeed Anwar became permanent opener for Pakistan after he scored a magnificent 126 against Sri Lanka at Adelaide during Tri Nation tournament in 1990.

7. A mystery illness prevented Saeed Anwar from featuring in 1992 Cricket World Cup hosted by Australia, where Pakistan was crowned as World Champions.

8. During his 194 in ODI at Chennai against India, Anwar suffered cramps due to the May heat of Chennai and he used by-runner from 18th over of the innings.

9. Saeed Anwar is one of the 11 players who’s highest ODI score is more than their highest test score. [Minimum 50 test matches]

10. Saeed Anwar’s life changed after his 3-years old daughter Bismah passed away tragically on the final day of victorious afternoon against Bangladesh at Multan in 2001. Anwar struck brilliant hundred earlier in the game. After the incident, he took a break from Cricket and took deepest teachings of Islam.