Top 5 Highest Wicket-Takers for Pakistan Against India in ODIs

As the cricketing world gears up for the India vs Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup 2023 on September 2 at Pallekele, all eyes are on this epic showdown. Beyond the intense rivalry, this match carries significant weight for India, as they aim to fine-tune their ideal playing XI for the upcoming World Cup 2023.

Also Read: Asia Cup 2023 Top Five Rivalries – India vs Pakistan Showdown on 2nd September

However, they face a formidable challenge in Pakistan, known for their formidable bowling attack, who have already made a statement with a resounding victory against Nepal.

The Age-Old Rivalry: Pakistan’s Bowling vs. India’s Batting

The historic rivalry between India and Pakistan has often boiled down to a captivating contest: Pakistan’s potent bowling against India’s formidable batting. The side that conquers this battle often emerges victorious. In this article, we delve into the top five highest wicket-takers for Pakistan against India in ODIs, particularly during their domination in the early 2000s.

5. Shahid Afridi – 38 Wickets

Shahid Afridi, the former Pakistan captain, renowned for his explosive batting, finds a place in the top five highest wicket-takers against India with 38 scalps from 60 innings. Though his bowling success against India didn’t match his batting exploits, Afridi’s fast leg breaks added a unique dimension to Pakistan’s attack. He averaged 60.53 with an economy rate of 5.06.

4. Shoaib Akhtar – 41 Wickets

Shoaib Akhtar, famously known as the ‘Rawalpindi Express,’ was one of the fastest bowlers cricket has witnessed. His express pace troubled batsmen worldwide, including Indian players. Akhtar collected 41 wickets from 28 innings against India, boasting an impressive average of 26.78.

3. Aaqib Javed – 54 Wickets

Aaqib Javed, known for his smooth run-up and high-arm action, delivered memorable performances against India. His iconic spell of 7/37 against India included a hat-trick dismissing Ravi Shastri, Mohammad Azharuddin, and Sachin Tendulkar consecutively. In just 36 innings, Javed secured 54 wickets against India, averaging 24.64 with an economy rate of 4.78.

2. Saqlain Mushtaq – 57 Wickets

Saqlain Mushtaq, the crafty off-spinner who introduced the ‘doosra,’ troubled right-handed batsmen globally. His variation in spin proved fruitful against India as well. Mushtaq snared 57 wickets in just 38 innings, boasting an average of 24.38 and an economy rate of 4.28.

1. Wasim Akram – 60 Wickets

Wasim Akram, the ‘King of Swing,’ revolutionized left-arm seam bowling. Universally acknowledged as one of the greatest bowlers in cricket history, Akram excelled against India. In 47 innings, he captured a staggering 60 wickets, a record that still stands as the highest tally by any bowler in India-Pakistan ODIs. Akram averaged 25.15 against India with an exceptional economy rate of 3.53.