'I was shell-shocked' - Wasim Akram recalls hitting Imran Khan while batting three decades ago

Former Pakistan cricketer Wasim Akram was known for his fierce bowling skills but he also had a few big feats with the bat in the long format. The former captain made three centuries in Tests with the highest score of 257 not out made against Zimbabwe at home. However, it was his 123-run knock against Australia at the Adelaide Oval in 1990 that stood out. Akram, only 24 then, was picked as the man of the match in that Test (second) that ended in a draw, for his all-round show.

Recently, the legendary cricketer recalled the instance from the match when he had hit his captain Imran Khan, the current prime minister of Pakistan, with a shot during a long partnership in the second innings. Imran made 136 and the duo added 191 runs for the sixth wicket after Australia secured a first-innings lead of 84.

‘I was shell-shocked’ – Wasim Akram reacts to a tweet

Wasim Akram retweeted a video of the instance of his straight shot hitting Imran Khan, who was standing at the non-striker’s end in his knees, and said, “I was shell-shocked myself”. The supporter who shared it requested Akram to recall the moment and said he didn’t go to see if his skipper was okay.

I was shell-shocked myself 😀 https://t.co/QxkwISlUD0

— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) February 26, 2020

Akram scored 52 in the first innings and also took a five-wicket haul in the first innings. He, in fact, ended up as the man of the series as well for his rich hauls with the bat and ball though Pakistan lost the three-match series 0-1.

The hundred is the only one that Akram hit outside the sub-continent and he has taken over 900 international wickets. Two years after that century, he helped Imran’s Pakistan to lift their only World Cup in the 50-over format.

Akram is currently involved in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) where he is working with Karachi Kings as their bowling coach and president. The Kings, led by Imad Wasim and featuring Pakistan T20I captain Babar Azam, have won three matches out of five so far and lost two to sit at the third position in the points table.