Harsh Thakor
First Class Star
- Joined
- Oct 1, 2012
- Runs
- 3,519
- Post of the Week
- 2
Arguably no nation in the game's history posessed as much volatile talent as Pakistan .At junctures it was International cricket's greatest powerhouse of talent.It all but won series in England in 1971 and Australia in 1972-73.It was in 1976 that Mushtaq Muhammad galvanised a bunch of talented individuals into a world beating force which gave both Australia and West Indies a strong run for their money.From 1979-81 Pakistani cricket went into slumbers but was again resurrected by Imran Khan under how the nation had its cricketing rennaissaince.
Under Imran Pakistan won their 1st ever series in India and England and dubious umpiring decisions robbed them off a 1st series win on West Indies soil in 1988 and thus the unofficial world championship title.In 1987 it conquered one of the strongest Englsih sides ever .No team had been undefeated in a series in West Indies since 1974.
Sadly after 198 Pakistan did not capitalize on their ascendancy and let West Indies wrest the initiative as the test champion team.It failed to win in Australia in 1989-90 in New Zealand in 1989 and in a home series against the Calypos in 1990.
After Imran's retirement Pakistan gave glimpses of their days in ascendancy or glory but were most erratic.Under Wasim Akram in mid 1990's it won series in England and drew in South Africa ,but were grounded to the pulp in Australia.It was sad to see a team with such vast reservoirs of potential capitulate the way it did.Man to man it was possibly the best team in the world in mid 1990's.
With a measuring tape in my hand considering having Imran as a skipper and such a potent attack I would rank 1986-1989 Pakistan team as the best Pakistan and Asian team ever.Its performance in West Indies in 1988 speaks for itself.India never beat such as strong English side or drew against the best of Australian teams in Australia.At home arguably India of 201-2004 was the best Asian team ever .
Overall Pakistan of 1986-89 is a worthy contender for the spot amongst the all-time great test teams.It is neck to neck with South Africa led by Graeme Smith from 2008-2012 and South Africa from 1996-2000 led by Hanse Cronje.The latter won a test series in India being the 1st overseas team to do so for a period of 15 years.Unlike Pakistan South Africa 3 times beat Australia on their very soil.Still not the greatest of Australian teams.If I scale the standard of opposition and quantity of cricket played in addition to overall team balance I would give Imran's team the slender edge.No tea,m ever had such a diverse or talented bowling attack as that side and few had such great batting depth which existed till no 10.
Thus overall Clive Lloyd's West Indies team and the Australian teams led by Ian Chappell,Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting rank ahead of Imran's Pakistanis amongst sides of the last 50 years.Arguably 1969-70 South African team was better with such an abundance of allrounders and probaly the teams led by Frank Worrell and Don Bradman.
For pure talent on paper Pakistan of 1999 was the best Asian team ever with the likes of Inzamam, Mohamad Yousuf, Saed Anwar,Salim Malik,Ejaz Ahmed etc in the batting line up and bowlers like Wasim,Waqar.Akhtar ,Saqlain etcMan to man it was comparable to Australia of that time.
Under Imran Pakistan won their 1st ever series in India and England and dubious umpiring decisions robbed them off a 1st series win on West Indies soil in 1988 and thus the unofficial world championship title.In 1987 it conquered one of the strongest Englsih sides ever .No team had been undefeated in a series in West Indies since 1974.
Sadly after 198 Pakistan did not capitalize on their ascendancy and let West Indies wrest the initiative as the test champion team.It failed to win in Australia in 1989-90 in New Zealand in 1989 and in a home series against the Calypos in 1990.
After Imran's retirement Pakistan gave glimpses of their days in ascendancy or glory but were most erratic.Under Wasim Akram in mid 1990's it won series in England and drew in South Africa ,but were grounded to the pulp in Australia.It was sad to see a team with such vast reservoirs of potential capitulate the way it did.Man to man it was possibly the best team in the world in mid 1990's.
With a measuring tape in my hand considering having Imran as a skipper and such a potent attack I would rank 1986-1989 Pakistan team as the best Pakistan and Asian team ever.Its performance in West Indies in 1988 speaks for itself.India never beat such as strong English side or drew against the best of Australian teams in Australia.At home arguably India of 201-2004 was the best Asian team ever .
Overall Pakistan of 1986-89 is a worthy contender for the spot amongst the all-time great test teams.It is neck to neck with South Africa led by Graeme Smith from 2008-2012 and South Africa from 1996-2000 led by Hanse Cronje.The latter won a test series in India being the 1st overseas team to do so for a period of 15 years.Unlike Pakistan South Africa 3 times beat Australia on their very soil.Still not the greatest of Australian teams.If I scale the standard of opposition and quantity of cricket played in addition to overall team balance I would give Imran's team the slender edge.No tea,m ever had such a diverse or talented bowling attack as that side and few had such great batting depth which existed till no 10.
Thus overall Clive Lloyd's West Indies team and the Australian teams led by Ian Chappell,Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting rank ahead of Imran's Pakistanis amongst sides of the last 50 years.Arguably 1969-70 South African team was better with such an abundance of allrounders and probaly the teams led by Frank Worrell and Don Bradman.
For pure talent on paper Pakistan of 1999 was the best Asian team ever with the likes of Inzamam, Mohamad Yousuf, Saed Anwar,Salim Malik,Ejaz Ahmed etc in the batting line up and bowlers like Wasim,Waqar.Akhtar ,Saqlain etcMan to man it was comparable to Australia of that time.
