Saeed Ajmal, the renowned Pakistani cricketer, is widely regarded as one of the best spinners in the game today. Despite making a relatively late entry into international cricket at the age of 30, he quickly proved his worth and has been making up for lost time ever since.
Ajmal made his Test debut against Sri Lanka in Galle in 2009, at the age of 32. In a remarkable display of skill and talent, he took five wickets in the match, announcing his arrival on the international stage. However, it was in 2011 that he truly came into his own, showcasing his incredible control and mastery over his variations, including the doosra. Unlike many offspinners who change their line while bowling the doosra, Ajmal tends to bowl it from a similar line as his offspinner, making it exceedingly difficult for batsmen to decipher his deliveries. That year, he topped the Test bowling charts, claiming an impressive 50 wickets in just eight matches.
However, it was in the series against England in 2012 that Ajmal truly shone. In three matches, he decimated the English batting lineup, taking a staggering 24 wickets at an average of 14.70. In this battle of offspinners, he outperformed the highly regarded Graeme Swann, cementing his reputation as one of the best spinners in the world.
Although Ajmal first made his mark in Test cricket, he also enjoyed considerable success in One Day Internationals (ODIs). After being called up for the 2008 Asia Cup, he left the Australian team completely bewildered in the UAE during an ODI series. His doosra was practically unreadable, and he gave away very few runs. However, his unorthodox action led to the ICC calling him for review. Fortunately, he was soon cleared of any suspicions regarding his action.
Ajmal’s impact in limited-overs cricket was further highlighted during Pakistan’s triumphant campaign in the 2009 World Twenty20. He played a crucial role alongside Shahid Afridi, expertly containing opposing batsmen with his bag of tricks and record-breaking economy rate. Ajmal finished as the joint second-highest wicket-taker of the tournament, leaving batsmen from all over the world struggling to decipher his variations.
Throughout his career, Saeed Ajmal has been a force to be reckoned with. His skills as a spinner, combined with his unique variations of flight and speed, have made him an invaluable asset to the Pakistani team. Despite his late start in international cricket, he has proven time and again that age is just a number, consistently stunning opponents with his talent and expertise. As cricket fans look back at his remarkable career, they admire his ability to overcome the odds and etch his name among the greats of the game.
