Mohammad Abbas Breaks Imran Khan’s Test Bowling Record Against West Indies

Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Abbas created history by breaking Imran Khan’s Test bowling record during the first Test against the West Indies. The experienced pacer achieved the milestone with another impressive bowling display on the third day of the match at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.

Abbas had already picked three wickets in the first innings, and then went on to follow his good form in the second. He sent off Brandon King and Kevlon Hodge in the same spell, before grabbing Justin Greaves to take Pakistan in a strong position.

The three wickets extended Mohammad Abbas’ Test bowling average to 22.69, beating former Pakistan captain Imran Khan who had a career Test average of 22.81. Abbas’ record of the best bowling average by a Pakistan fast bowler in Test cricket among bowlers with 100 or more wickets is now the highest.

Imran Khan concluded his Test career with 362 wickets in 88 games while Mohammad Abbas has now picked up 116 wickets in 30 Tests from his debut match against the West Indies in 2017.

Best Test Bowling Average by Pakistan Fast Bowlers (Minimum 100 Wickets)

• Mohammad Abbas – 116 wickets in 30 Tests – Average: 22.69
• Imran Khan – 362 wickets in 88 Tests – Average: 22.81
• Waqar Younis – 373 wickets in 87 Tests – Average: 23.56

Mohammad Abbas has also become the sixth Pakistan bowler to pick up 100 wickets in overseas Test cricket. Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Imran Khan, Mohammad Amir and Umar Gul have been included in the elite list. Among these bowlers, Abbas now has the best bowling average.

In the meantime, the first Test is closely poised. At the end of the third day’s play, the West Indies reached 126/7 in their second innings, extending their overall lead to 155 runs as the match heads into a crucial final phase.