Mohammad Abbas levels first-class record of Imran Khan
Pakistan’s Test pacer Mohammad Abbas matched a remarkable milestone on Thursday, equaling the legendary Imran Khan with his 13th 10-wicket haul in first-class cricket.
Abbas achieved this feat during Lahore Blues’ defeat against FATA Region in the fifth round of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (QEAT) 2024-25. In the first innings, Abbas delivered a stunning performance, taking six wickets for just 39 runs in 22 overs, including 10 maidens. He followed it up with another brilliant display in the second innings, claiming four wickets for 35 runs. His combined figures of 10/74 marked his 13th career 10-wicket haul.
This achievement places Abbas in an elite group of Pakistani bowlers, alongside legends like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Imran Khan. He is now tied for third on the list of Pakistani bowlers with the most 10-wicket hauls in first-class cricket, trailing only Waqar (14) and Wasim (16).
Abbas is currently the second-highest wicket-taker in the ongoing QEAT season, with 31 wickets at an impressive average of 14.39 and an economy rate of 2.35. He has also bowled the most maidens (60) in the tournament so far.
Abbas made a sensational Test debut for Pakistan in 2017, quickly gaining recognition for his consistency and skill. His standout performance came in 2018 against Australia, where he claimed a 10-wicket haul and earned high praise from South African legend Dale Steyn, who predicted Abbas could become the world’s top-ranked Test bowler.
Despite his early success, Abbas experienced a dip in form, managing only one five-wicket haul in Tests since then. This led to his exclusion from the national team, with his last Test appearance coming against West Indies in August 2021.
