Babar Azam after his dismissal vs AUS in Rawalpindi. Image Credits- AFP
Pakistan played their 1000th ODI fixture in the first match of the three-game series against Australia at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi, on Monday.
Debutant Arafat Minhas had a dream debut, becoming the first-ever male Pakistan cricketer to bag a five-wicket haul while playing his first ODI game. If it was less, the all-rounder finished off the game by smashing a maximum.
Minhas' fifer, coupled with Abrar Ahmed's two wickets, helped the Men in Green bundle the Aussies for 200 runs in 44.1 overs. Later in the chase, Babar Azam and Ghazi Ghori scored their respective half-centuries, as they chased down the target by five wickets with 7.3 overs to spare.
Mohammad Yousaf picks his best-ever from Pakistan
After the Shaheen Shah Afridi-led Pakistan defeated Australia in Rawalpindi, former batter Mohammad Yousaf picked the greatest players to represent the Men in Green.
While picking the legendary men, the 90-Test veteran picked the best-ever to represent Pakistan, along with the nation's most memorable moment.
According to Mohammad Yousaf, Imran Khan stands as Pakistan's premier ODI captain and all-rounder. He identified Saeed Anwar as the top batter in the format, while Wasim Akram and Saqlain Mushtaq were his selections for the greatest fast bowler and spinner, respectively.
For the wicketkeeper position, Yousaf chose Rashid Latif, and he cited the 1992 World Cup victory as his most cherished memory.
Also Read: Arafat Minhas Says No Interest In Becoming Mohammad Nawaz Of Pakistan
Saeed Anwar picked over Babar Azam, Mohammad Yousaf
Notably, Yousaf, who played 288 ODIs, picked the stylish Saeed Anwar over himself and the modern-day maestro, Babar Azam.
Anwar played 247 ODI matches, where he scored 8824 runs and slammed 20 centuries and 43 half-centuries. He once had the highest-ever in the format - 194 vs India, which Sachin Tendulkar eventually broke in 2010.
Although Yousaf played more matches than Anwar and Babar has already equalled his tally of ODI tons, the left-handed batsman had unmatched flamboyance and elegance.
Was Saeed Anwar part of 1992 WC squad?
Saeed Anwar made his ODI debut in 1989 at WACA against the West Indies and soon became a regular part of their line-up. By 1992, the southpaw had played many memorable knocks, including 126 vs Sri Lanka and 101 against New Zealand.
However, just before the 1992 World Cup, Anwar was injured and ruled out of the tournament. He was part of the 1996, 1999, and 2003 editions of the marquee events, but unfortunately, he could not win the ultimate silverware.
The flamboyant batter played the innings of his career against India in the 2003 World Cup, a 101 off 126, which later went in vain as Sachin Tendulkar stole the show.
Take by writer on Pakistan's best-ever
Mohammad Yousaf has picked a great list of gentlemen, and that is his choice. However, the only debatable points are: Moin Khan in place of Rashid Khan as wicketkeeper, and the 2017 Champions Trophy victory.
Although the 1992 World Cup triumph was a generational victory, the 2017 CT was an underdog story for the history books.
Also Read: When Ajinkya Rahane Accused Credit Stealing After India's Historic BGT Win
