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