He is full of guile, as devious as any of the old masters in giving the ball a tweak. Yet, much of his bowling remains flat and quick, with the spinner getting much of his success with subtle variations of pace. Those variations, despite how quick he is, often beat the batsman in the air. He is an off-spinner who captures more than half his wickets with the ball that holds its line or that curious controversial variety called the doosra which breaks the other way — but he can also turn one back. Despite a late entry to cricket, making his debut at 32, he continued to play all formats, including the instant variety and went on to be a hero of Pakistan’s World Twenty20 triumph in 2010.

Career Statistics (2005-2017)

Full name: Saeed Ajmal

Born: October 14, 1977 (42), Faisalabad, Punjab

Major teams: Pakistan, Antigua Hawksbills, Dhaka Gladiators, Faisalabad, Faisalabad Wolves, Islamabad Cricket Association, Islamabad United, Khan Research Labs, Water and Power Development Authority, Worcestershire, Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited

Playing role: Bowler

Batting style: Right-hand bat

Bowling style: Right-arm off-break

T20I Career – Pakistan

Mat   Inns   Balls    Runs    Wkts    BBI     BBM    Ave     Econ     SR     4w    5w    10w

64       63     1430    1516      85       4/19   4/19     17.83   6.36     16.8     4      0         0

T20 Career

Mat   Inns   Balls    Runs    Wkts    BBI     BBM     Ave     Econ     SR      4w    5w    10w

195     193   4338     4706     271      4/14    4/14    17.36    6.50     16.0      8      0         0

Career Highlights

• 6th all-time T20I wicket-taker, 85 in 63 matches at 17.83
• 3rd most wickets in T20 WC, 36 in 23 matches at 16.86
• T20I Four wicket hauls (4)
• 271 T20 wickets taken at 17.36