Waheeda Akhtar

Waheeda Akhtar
Nationality: Pakistan
Position: Bowler
Date of Birth: 1995-04-10 Age: 30

Bio

Career Stats

Fixtures

Teams

Waheeda Akhtar's journey to cricketing prominence is as inspiring as it is remarkable. Born on 10th April 1995, she grew up in the bustling city of Lahore, where her love for cricket blossomed amidst the din of street games and the rapturous cheers of a cricket-crazy nation. As a child, Waheeda would fashion makeshift wickets and play with neighbourhood kids, displaying an early penchant for bowling with an unusual ability to swing the ball both ways.

Her raw talent caught the eye of local coaches, leading to her formal training at the Lahore Cricket Academy, where she honed a variety of bowling techniques, making her a versatile force on the field. Waheeda's adaptability extended to her batting, where she developed a style that could pivot between patience and aggression, depending on the match situation. Her skills earned her a place in the national setup, and she made her professional debut for Pakistan's women's team in the 2017 ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier, marking the beginning of an illustrious career.

Over the years, Waheeda has set several records and achieved numerous milestones. She was instrumental in Pakistan’s win over India in the thrilling 2019 Women’s T20 Asia Cup final, claiming three crucial wickets and ensuring a surprise victory for her team under immense pressure. Her exceptional performance invigorated a long-standing cricketing rivalry and won her accolades from ardent cricket aficionados.

One of Waheeda's most memorable matches came during the 2021 Women's T20 World Cup, where she bowled a sensational spell against Australia, dismantling their top order with her leg-cutters and deceptive changes of pace. Her efforts not only led Pakistan to a historic semi-final berth but also underscored her status as one of the finest bowlers in women’s cricket.

Waheeda has always been more than just a bowler; her leadership qualities and on-field charisma have inspired a new generation of female cricketers in Pakistan. Her significant contribution to the sport goes beyond mere statistics, living through the encouragement she provides young girls to take up cricket without fear. As Waheeda continues to weave her magic on the pitch, her legacy as a trailblazer remains etched firmly in the annals of cricketing history, forever impacting the game she loves.