On this day in 1996: Wasim Akram slams 257 against Zimbabwe

Wasim Akram is arguably the best bowler to have played for both Pakistan and world cricket. He is known for effortlessly taking wickets on even the toughest of bowling conditions and was a pioneer of the reverse swing, which earned him the nickname ‘Sultan of Swing’.

Meanwhile, Akram, the batter, also made a tremendous impact and it was on this very day in 1996 that he registered the highest individual score by a number eight batter in Test history.

When Wasim Akram the batter made a new Test batting record

Pakistan and Zimbabwe locked horns in the first Test match at Sheikhupura. Batting first, the visitors posted a stiff total of 375 runs on the board riding on centuries from Grant Flower (110) and Guy Whittall (106*).

Akram had a forgettable outing with the ball as he could only pick up one wicket conceding 58 runs. However, little did the Zimbabweans know what was in store for them from Akram during Pakistan’s first innings.

The hosts got off to a solid start with Saeed Anwar and Aamer Sohail adding 64 runs for the opening stand. But once the duo was dismissed, quick wickets derailed the Pakistan innings before Akram came to the rescue.

The then-Pakistan captain single-handedly took care of scoring the bulk of runs and was too good for the Zimbabwean bowlers. With wickets falling at one end, the southpaw stood like a solid rock from the other end and kept the scoreboard ticking as he brought up a well-deserved double-century.

His unbeaten knock of 257 runs came from 363 deliveries and he had spent 426 minutes at the crease. His knock included 22 fours and 12 maximums. The elegant knock also helped Akram name another unique record for himself as he has faced the highest number of deliveries at the number eight position in red-ball cricket.

The contest ended in a stalemate and Akram was adjudged the Player of the Match award for his brilliant 257 not out and for taking the wicket of opener Mark Dekker.