Wasim Hasan Raja

▪ 2007

      Pakistani cricketer (b. July 3, 1952, Multan, Pak.—d. Aug. 23, 2006, Marlow, near High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, Eng.), was a dashing all-rounder who played his best against the toughest opponent of his day, the West Indies. Wasim made his first-class debut for Lahore at age 15 and captained the Pakistan Under-19 side. He made his Test debut against New Zealand in 1973. A middle-order left-hand batsman, Wasim was known for his uninhibited stroke play, exemplified by his 14 sixes in the 1976–77 series against West Indies. He bowled leg breaks and top-spinners and was a brilliant fielder in the covers. In 250 first-class matches, Wasim scored 11,434 runs (average 35.18), with 17 centuries (high score 165). He made 2,821 runs in 57 Tests (average 36.16), with four centuries and a high score of 125. As a bowler he took 558 first-class wickets for 16,211 runs (average 29.05), including five wickets in an innings 31 times, and 51 Test wickets for 1,826 runs (average 35.80).

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