Top 5 Pakistani Fast Bowlers in 2023: In this article, we pay homage to the top 5 Pakistani Fast Bowlers, giving special attention to their outstanding individual performances, records, and contributions that have made them a nightmare for batsmen across the globe. When it comes to cricket, Pakistani Fast Bowlers have always been a force to be reckoned with.
This cricket-loving nation has consistently produced highly skilled, speedy, and passionate bowlers who have pushed boundaries and left their mark on the sport. The year 2023 is no exception, with a plethora of talented pacemen leading the charge for Pakistan on the international stage. Together, these five talented cricketers not only bowled their way into the hearts of their fans but also earned a special place in cricket history.
Top 5 Pakistani Fast Bowlers in 2023:
1. Shaheen Afridi
The cricket world is abuzz with the meteoric rise of prodigy Shaheen Afridi. Born on April 6, 2000, this talented Pakistani cricketer has quickly become an essential figure not only for the Pakistan national cricket team but also as the captain of the PSL franchise Lahore Qalandars. Shaheen is widely recognized as a top-tier bowler in the global cricket arena, excelling in all forms of the game.
Under Afridi’s guidance, the Lahore Qalandars seized their maiden PSL championship in 2022 and then remarkably defended their crown in the 2023 season, setting a new PSL historical precedent. Furthermore, he is the first Pakistani cricketer to secure the prestigious Garfield Sobers trophy.
Since his stunning debut in 2018, Shaheen Afridi has been nothing short of exceptional, particularly during his outstanding showing at the 2019 World Cup. On July 5, 2019, Afridi put on a record-breaking performance against Bangladesh, becoming the youngest bowler to claim a five-wicket haul in a World Cup match with impressive figures of 6/35.
Standing tall with a lean physique, Shaheen is a left-arm pacer whose precise yorkers and formidable bouncers make him a formidable opponent within the world of cricket. Shaheen is on the top of the list of Top 5 Pakistani Fast Bowlers in 2023.
2. Haris Rauf
In the world of cricket, Haris Rauf has emerged as a prominent fast bowler. Born on November 7th, 1993, the Pakistani cricketer garnered significant attention during his explosive performances in Australia’s BBL league. His exceptional pace, command over bounce, and precise control left spectators and fellow cricketers in awe.
Rauf first donned the international colors for Pakistan’s national team in January 2020. Prior to this, he participated in his maiden Twenty20 match representing the Lahore Qalandars at the 2018 Abu Dhabi T20 Trophy, held on October 5th, 2018. In the following month, Rauf was chosen by the same team during the players’ draft for the highly anticipated 2019 Pakistan Super League tournament.
December 2022 marked another milestone in Rauf’s career when he played his first Test match against England. Recognized as one of the swiftest bowlers worldwide, Rauf consistently reaches speeds exceeding 150 km/h. He is one of the Top 5 Pakistani Fast Bowlers in 2023.
3. Naseem Shah
At only 19 years old, Naseem Shah is already making a name for himself as the youngest fast bowler in Test cricket history. His impressive speed and skill in moving the ball at high velocity have caught the attention of many, signaling a promising road ahead for the young cricketer. Naseem Shah was born in Pakistan on February 15, 2003, and has since become a key player in all formats of the sport.
In October 2019, at the age of 16, Shah joined the Pakistani national cricket team for a Test series against Australia. Just one month later, in November 2019, he made his international debut for Pakistan, earning the distinction of being the ninth-youngest player to debut in Test cricket.
Shah’s accomplishments didn’t stop there. In December 2019, during the second Test match against Sri Lanka, Naseem Shah set a record as the second-youngest bowler to claim a five-wicket haul in a Test match and, notably, the youngest pace bowler to do the same. Continuing to make history, in February 2020, he etched his name in the record books as the youngest bowler to achieve a Test match hat-trick during a game against Bangladesh. He is one of the Top 5 Pakistani Fast Bowlers in 2023.
4. Ihsanullah
Though not as renowned as some other bowlers, Ihsanullah has been delivering remarkable performances on the cricket field recently. Hailing from Arkot village in Matta Tehsil of the Swat Valley, Ihsanullah lost his home during the 2022 floods. He commenced his professional cricket career in 2017, playing for FATA Under-16, and participated in PCB’s U-16 Pentangular T20 Tournament in 2018.
In January 2022, Ihsanullah make his T20 debut after being chosen as a domestic player for the Multan Sultans in the 2022 PSL season. Following the conclusion of the 2023 PSL, he bagged two prestigious awards – the HBL PSL 8 Player of the Tournament and the Bowler of HBL PSL 8 – securing 22 wickets with an economy rate of 7.59.
Ihsanullah, along with batsmen Saim Ayub and Haseebullah Khan in December 2022, was among the three young players selected for the national squad during the second Test match of the New Zealand series in Karachi, this opportunity allowed them to gain international exposure and understand the inner workings of the dressing room.
He was selected in the Pakistan team for the T20i squad for the series vs Afghanistan in March 2023. He made his T20I debut during the first match of the series on 24 March 2023 and achieved a wicket with his opening delivery. His expertise in delivering yorkers and slow balls makes him an invaluable asset during death overs. With continued exceptional performance, Ihsanullah is well on his way to a promising future in cricket. He is one of the Top 5 Pakistani Fast Bowlers in 2023.
5. M Waseem Jr
Concluding our rundown is the gifted young speedster, Mohammad Waseem Jr, who has demonstrated extraordinary potential in recent times. Originating from a Pashtun family in North Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Waseem Jr.’s journey in cricket commenced with tape-ball matches in his hometown. Hindered by inadequate amenities, he relocated to Peshawar, the provincial capital, to further his cricketing aspirations.
After joining a local cricket club, Waseem Jr. progressed through district and regional levels, ultimately earning a spot on the Pakistan U19 team, in March 2021, he was selected for Pakistan’s limited-overs squads touring South Africa and Zimbabwe, and by June 2021, he was enlisted in Pakistan’s Twenty20 International (T20I) team for the series against the West Indies.
Waseem Jr.’s T20I debut transpired on July 28, 2021, when he played for Pakistan against the West Indies, capturing the wicket of Chris Gayle. Fast-forward to December 17, 2022, Waseem Jr. made his Test debut representing Pakistan’s cricket team against England in the third test match. Possessing exceptional pace and bounce, Waseem Jr. has the potential to become an invaluable resource for Pakistan’s cricket team in the years to come.
The Conclusion of Top 5 Pakistani Fast Bowlers in 2023:
The year 2023 proved to be a remarkable one for Pakistani Fast Bowlers, with our top five picks making a lasting impact on the sport and setting new benchmarks for the upcoming talents to strive for. Their sheer dedication, exceptional skills, and ability to deliver in high-pressure situations have contributed to their meteoric rise in the world of cricket.
As cricket enthusiasts, the performances of these incredible athletes leave us in awe and help to solidify Pakistan’s position as a breeding ground for some of the world’s most talented fast bowlers. It is our hope that this article has provided valuable insights into the exceptional careers of these five cricketing prodigies, and we look forward to the continued success of these outstanding Pakistani Fast Bowlers as they keep thrilling fans around the world with their extraordinary abilities.
