Pakistani cricketer Fazal Mahmood’s sixth death anniversary was observed on Monday. He was born at Lahore in 1927. He started his first class career in 1943. He was one of the finest cricketers Pakistan had produced. He was regarded as the best pace bowler of his country’s early years. He played in 34 Test matches and took 139 wickets at a bowling average of 24.70. He was the first Pakistani bowler to pass 100 wickets; he reached the landmark in his 22nd match.
He played a major role in first gaining Test status for the new nation and then establishing them as a Test match team. He took ten wickets in a Test on four occasions; those against India, England and Australia coming in Pakistan’s maiden victories over those teams. Fazal’s most memorable performance came on the 1954 tour of England, when he had a leading role as Pakistan won at the Oval to square the series.
He took the match figure of 12-99, including 6-46 in the second innings as England collapsed chasing a target of 168.
He was a medium fast bowler, specialised in the leg cutters and break backs. He was also the only bowler to take 12 wickets in a series four times.
He was chosen as the Wisden Cricketer of the Year 1955 for his outstanding performance at the Oval making him the first Pakistani to receive the honor.
He also led Pakistan in 10 test matches. After retirement, he served as a National Selector. On 30th May 2005, he suffered a heart attack which proved to be fatal.