Saeed Anwar: Pakistan's Most Elegant Opening Batter
Saeed Anwar was Pakistan's finest left-handed opener and holds the record for the highest ODI individual score (194) which stood for 13 years, known for his flowing stroke play and impeccable timing.
Saeed Anwar was Pakistan's premier left-handed opening batter and one of the most aesthetically pleasing players to watch in world cricket during the 1990s. Born in Karachi in 1968, Anwar played 55 Tests and 247 ODIs for Pakistan between 1990 and 2003, scoring 4,052 Test runs at 45.52 and 8,824 ODI runs at 39.21. His batting was characterized by exceptional timing, elegant footwork and a wide range of shots — from the on-drive to the cut and pull — all played with minimal effort and maximum effect. He was particularly effective against pace bowling and used the pace of the ball brilliantly.
The ODI Record: 194 Against India
Saeed Anwar's most celebrated moment came on 21 May 1997 at Chennai (Madras) against India. He scored 194 runs in an ODI — the highest individual score in ODI cricket at the time, surpassing Viv Richards' record of 189. Anwar's innings contained 22 fours and five sixes and came off 146 deliveries. He batted for 2 hours and 48 minutes as Pakistan posted 327/5. Pakistan won the match by 35 runs. Anwar's record stood for 13 years until Sachin Tendulkar scored 200* against South Africa in 2010.
Career Highlights and Retirement
Anwar was Pakistan's most consistent ODI performer throughout the 1990s and a crucial member of several ICC tournament squads, including the 1992 and 1999 World Cups. He scored 20 Test centuries and 20 ODI centuries. His Test average of 45.52 is excellent for a top-order batter in Pakistan cricket history. Anwar retired from international cricket in 2003, and the final phase of his career — following the death of his daughter in 2001 — saw him become deeply religious, eventually joining the Tablighi Jamaat Islamic missionary movement. He now travels the world for religious work.
Frequently asked questions
What is Saeed Anwar's highest individual ODI score?
Saeed Anwar scored 194 against India in Chennai in May 1997 — the highest individual ODI score at the time, surpassing Viv Richards' record. It remained the record for 13 years until Sachin Tendulkar scored 200* against South Africa in 2010.
What was Saeed Anwar's Test average?
Anwar averaged 45.52 in Test cricket from 55 Tests, scoring 4,052 runs with 20 centuries. This is one of the highest Test averages for Pakistan openers.
Why did Saeed Anwar retire from cricket?
Anwar retired from international cricket in 2003. He became deeply religious following the death of his daughter in 2001, which transformed his outlook. He joined the Tablighi Jamaat religious movement and devoted his post-cricket life to religious activities.