Pakistan

Saeed Ahmed

Born: October 01, 1937, Jullundur (now Jalandhar), Punjab, India

Saeed Ahmed bio

Saeed Ahmed, born on May 1, 1930, in Jullundur, Punjab, was a remarkable cricketer from Pakistan who left an indelible mark on the international cricketing arena. With his graceful and powerful strokes, Saeed became known for his elegant drives that astonished spectators and opponents alike.

Throughout his career, Saeed displayed exceptional talent and versatility as a cricketer. His ability to play strokes all around the wicket was unparalleled, and his drives, in particular, were executed with such grace and power that they often rocketed through the V before the bowler could even finish his follow-through.

In 1962, when Saeed toured England, he was known for his traditionally upright stance. However, he decided to adapt his technique due to the challenging conditions on seaming pitches. He crouched more, hoping for a better view of the fast bowlers. Although this adjustment had limited success, it demonstrated Saeed’s determination to adapt and improve his game.

Saeed was not only an accomplished batsman but also a serviceable offspinner. His bowling skills were a valuable asset to the Pakistani team, complementing his already outstanding batting prowess. Moreover, Saeed had his chance at leadership when he captained the team during three drawn Test matches in 1968-69, showcasing his ability to lead by example.

However, it is unfortunate that Saeed is often remembered for the undignified end to his Test career. During a heated confrontation with Australian fast bowler Dennis Lillee in a previous Test match in Melbourne, Saeed declared himself unfit for the subsequent Test due to a back injury. Skeptical about the genuineness of his injury, the Pakistani management sent him home for indiscipline, thereby tarnishing an otherwise illustrious career.

In spite of this regrettable episode, Saeed’s statistics speak for themselves. With a Test average exceeding 40, he clearly established himself as a remarkable player. His debut series in the West Indies in 1957-58 demonstrated his potential, as he scored an impressive 508 runs. Notably, three of his five Test centuries were scores of 150 or more, highlighting his propensity for big scores on the grandest stage.

Notably, Saeed was the half-brother of another legendary Pakistani cricketer, Younis Ahmed. Both siblings shared a passion for the game and left an indelible mark in Pakistani cricketing history.

Saeed Ahmed’s immense talent, elegance, and versatility on the cricket field continue to inspire aspiring cricketers in Pakistan and around the world. Though his career concluded in an ignominious manner, his contributions and achievements as a player will forever be etched in the annals of cricketing history. Saeed’s powerful drives and graceful style of play will continue to captivate the hearts of cricket enthusiasts, ensuring his legacy lives on for generations to come.

Saeed Ahmed career stats

Batting stats

Batting Matches Innings Nos Runs High score Ave BF SR 100s 50s 4s 6s Ct St
Tests 41 78 4 2991 172 40.41 - - 5 16 - 4 13 0
T20Is - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
ODIs - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
FC 213 346 25 12847 203* 40.02 - - 34 51 - - 121 0
List A 1 1 0 2 2 2 - - 0 0 0 0 0 0
T20s - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Bowling stats

Bowling Matches Innings Balls Runs Wkts BBI BBM Ave Econ SR 4w 5w 10w
Tests 41 41 1980 802 22 4/64 6/108 36.45 2.43 90 1 0 0
T20Is - - - - - - - - - - - - -
ODIs - - - - - - - - - - - - -
FC 213 - 18629 8217 332 8/41 - 24.75 2.64 56.1 - 15 2
List A 1 - 24 21 0 - - - 5.25 - 0 0 0
T20s - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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