Mohammad Abbas becomes 14th Pakistani bowler to reach 900 first-class wickets

Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Abbas reached a major milestone on Thursday, becoming only the 14th Pakistani bowler

LONDON: Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Abbas reached a major milestone on Thursday, becoming only the 14th Pakistani bowler to claim 900 first-class wickets during the second Test against England at Lord’s Cricket Ground.

The 36-year-old right-arm pacer achieved the landmark early in England’s innings after dismissing both of the hosts’ opening batsmen, Emilio Gay and Ben Duckett.

Abbas struck first when Gay was caught behind down the leg side by wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan. Gay managed to score eight runs before his innings came to an end.

The experienced pacer then produced another important delivery to remove Ben Duckett, who was trapped leg before wicket for 17 off 20 balls. Duckett’s dismissal not only strengthened Pakistan’s position in the match but also took Abbas into an exclusive group of Pakistani bowlers who have reached the 900-wicket mark in first-class cricket.

Abbas now has 901 first-class wickets in 222 matches, placing him among some of the most successful bowlers in Pakistan’s cricket history.

Former Pakistan captain Imran Khan remains the leading Pakistani fast bowler in terms of first-class wickets. He finished his career with 1,287 wickets from 382 matches. Legendary left-arm pacer Wasim Akram follows with 1,042 wickets in 257 matches, while Sarfaraz Nawaz took 1,005 wickets in 299 matches. Waqar Younis, another of Pakistan’s greatest fast bowlers, claimed 956 wickets in 228 first-class matches.

Abbas’ achievement is particularly notable given his late rise to international cricket. He made his Test debut for Pakistan in 2017 and quickly established himself as one of the country’s most effective seam bowlers, especially in conditions that offer assistance to swing and movement.

In Test cricket, Abbas has taken 119 wickets in 31 matches at an impressive average of 22.84. His international record includes seven five-wicket hauls and one 10-wicket match haul, underlining his consistency and ability to produce match-winning spells.

With his latest first-class milestone, Abbas has also moved into an elite group of bowlers from around the world. England great James Anderson leads the list among the bowlers mentioned, with 1,181 first-class wickets, followed by South Africa’s Simon Harmer with 1,056 and Sri Lanka’s Malinda Pushpakumara with 1,010. Abbas now stands at 901 wickets.

The milestone came during a crucial Test match at Lord’s, where Pakistan’s bowling attack was tasked with putting pressure on England’s batting lineup.

The playing XIs for the match feature several prominent names. England’s lineup includes Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jordan Cox, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Dan Lawrence, Jamie Smith, Ollie Robinson, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue.

Pakistan’s side includes captain Babar Azam, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Ali Usman, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali and Mohammad Abbas.

Abbas’ 900-wicket achievement adds another significant chapter to his career and places his name alongside some of Pakistan’s most celebrated first-class bowlers. His early impact at Lord’s also provided Pakistan with a strong start as the visitors looked to challenge England in the second Test.