Waqar Younis-Best Bowling attack of 1990’s Era

Waqar Younis Era :

Waqar Younis was the Legend for not only Pakistan Cricket, but he is also known as one of the star Bowler in International Cricket too who did the debut along with Sachin Tendulkar in the same test match

Early Life and Personal Background

Waqar Younis was born on 16^th November 1971, in Vehari, Punjab, Pakistan. He was though born in a small town but he spent a major part of his childhood in Sharjah, UAE, because his father was employed at Sharjah, Waqar came from a middle-class Punjabi family and had a relatively simple upbringing. His passion for sports, especially cricket, was evident from a young age.

Returning to Pakistan for higher education, Waqar attended Sadiq Public School in Bahawalpur and later on he, moved to Burewala where his cricketing talent truly blossomed. He idolized legendary fast bowlers like Imran Khan and Malcolm Marshall, which shaped his aggressive bowling style.

Waqar Younis Personal Life

Waqar Younis is married to Dr. Faryal Waqar, and they have two children. He is known to maintain a low-key personal life, focusing on family and philanthropy when specially not involved in cricket. Nicknamed the “Burewala Express” (after his hometown), he had an unusual high-arm action that made him deceptive and dangerous. He also spent many more years living in Australia, where his family settled. Despite his Australian ties, he remains a passionate Pakistani at heart.

How waqar Started Playing Cricket

Like many kids in Pakistan, Waqar started with street cricket. His serious cricketing journey began in school and college tournaments, where he impressed coaches with his raw pace and control. What set him apart early on was his natural ability to swing the ball both ways a rare skill for a teenager.

Waqar’s His Rise Through Domestic Cricket

Waqar Yonis big break came when he was spotted by former Pakistan captain Imran Khan, who saw him playing in a domestic game for Multan in the late 1980s. Despite limited first-class experience, Imran was quick to recognize Waqar’s talent and potential.

He started his domestic cricket career with Lahore and Multan, and his fiery spells soon made him a name to watch. His performances in Pakistan’s domestic circuit, especially in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, which was enough to get a surprise call-up to the Pakistan national side.

Bowling Style and Strengths of Waqar Younis

Waqar was famous for:

Toe-crushing yorkers

• Lethal reverse swing
• Sharp pace and control
• An aggressive, attacking mindset

And Finally International Debut and Instant Stardom

Waqar Younis finally made his international debut for Pakistan team on November 15, 1989, against India in Karachi  and Sachin Tendulkar made his debut in the same Test match and in this match Waqar took 4 Wickets and immediately got recognition as the Inswing pace attack.

His ODI debut came a few months later, on October 14, 1989, against the West Indies.

Waqar and Wasim Partnership

One of the most iconic bowling partnerships in cricketing history was formed when Waqar teamed up with Wasim Akram and both use to open the bowling for Pakistan team and this famous partnership was roaring around the world in international Cricket almost for the decade Together, they demolished batting lineups with their deadly reverse swing. While Wasim Akram bowled left-arm, Waqar’s right-arm pace this right and left combination was eye catching  whether it is Test Cricket or One day International.

Waqar Younis: The Master of Reverse Swing

Waqar Younis revolutionized fast bowling by going against the grain of the 1980s and 1990 he applied the same what he saw and learnt in 1980’s While others focused on pace and short-pitched deliveries, Waqar opted for a blistering pace paired with full-length deliveries. What made his approach more promising was the late reverse swing that curled viciously into right-handers, often crashing into the base of leg stump or crushing the batsmen on his toes. In his prime days he was among the fastest the game had ever seen and batsman literally

Watching Waqar steam in was a sight to behold, though it came at a physical cost. His Pace attacking style  targeting directly on the wicket and not batsman was remarkable strike rate, the best among bowlers with over 200 Test but later on Some health issues like back injuries did take a toll, robbing him of some of his peak years, yet his eager ness to come again on the field is the reason we often saw him return on ground even if his aggression sometimes spilled over the edge.

But he made a surprising comeback as Pakistan’s captain for their 2001 England tour. Initially, it appeared to be a masterstroke. After retaining the captaincy in the year 2003 World Cup, Pakistan’s performance was dismal, with Pakistan won the matches only against underdogs Holland and Namibia It was completely disappointing performance    and finally after this year Waqar Younis retired in April 2004 .

What he is doing Post Retirement

And Post-retirement, Waqar transitioned into coaching and commentary. He was also appointed as Pakistan’s bowling coach in the year 2006 and then become the commentator but he was not the regular commentator and then In 2010, he took over as head coach of the national side, and this role he held until August 2011. His tenure was turbulent off the field  marked by scandals like the spot-fixing saga in England and Zulqarnain Haider’s sudden departure but the team performed admirably on it. Highlights included a drawn Test series in South Africa, a series win in New Zealand, and a semi-final finish in the 2011 World Cup.

Later, he was considered for Australia’s bowling coach role and had a brief stint in the BPL. His coaching journey came full circle in 2014 when he resumed charge of Pakistan for a second term.

After retirement, he transitioned into coaching and commentary. He has served multiple stints as the head coach and bowling coach of the Pakistan national team.

Legacy

Waqar Younis revolutionized fast bowling with reverse swing and inspired generations of fast bowlers not just in Pakistan, but around the world. His aggression, accuracy, and pace made him a legend, while his partnership with Wasim Akram remains one of the most celebrated duos in cricket history and that is the reason players like Sachin Tendulkar are know world best batsman because in that era they have faced a  many world’s Best Bowler like Waqar Younis.

Records and Achievements

Here are Waqar Younis’ major records and career highlights:

Achievements and Records

• Youngest bowler to take 400 ODI wickets
• Fastest to 50, 100, 150, and 200 ODI wickets at various stages in his career
• ICC Cricket Hall of Fame inductee (2013)
• Held the record for most five-wicket hauls in ODIs for over a decade
• Captained Pakistan in 17 Tests and 62 ODIs