Not Sachin Tendulkar! Wasim Akram reveals the toughest batsman he faced

Former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram had some top battles against the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Mohammad Azharuddin, Brian Lara, Ricky Ponting, and Steve Waugh. In a rapid-fire interview with Stick to Cricket, the left-arm fast bowler was asked to name the toughest he ever faced during his playing days.

Wasim Akram played international cricket between 1984 and 2003. He represented Pakistan in 104 Tests and 356 ODIs. The “Sultan of Swing” took 414 Test wickets and became the first bowler in history to surpass the 500-mark in One Day Internationals.

Akram was instrumental in Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup triumph and featured in four editions of the tournament overall. He also captained the side in 25 Tests and 109 ODIs during his illustrious career.

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Watch: Wasim Akram Reveals the Toughest Batsman He Faced in His Career

During the rapid-fire session with Stick to Cricket, Wasim Akram was asked to name the toughest batsman he had ever bowled to. Akram picked New Zealand legend Martin Crowe and added that he scored runs against Pakistan at a time when reverse swing was still an unfamiliar art.

"Look, it's a very difficult question to answer, but if you have to pick one who got runs against us but nobody knew what reverse swing was, it has to be the great Martin Crowe," Akram told Stick to Cricket.

Best batsman? 🏏
Favourite bowling partner? 🤔
Best stadium? 🏟️

Wasim Akram takes on our quickfire questions! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/YBlzlPCScR

— Stick to Cricket (@StickToCricket) August 23, 2025

Martin Crowe was one of New Zealand’s finest batsmen during his era. He amassed 5,444 runs in 77 Tests at an average of 45.36, including 17 centuries and 18 half-centuries. The former New Zealand captain scored 4,704 runs in 143 ODIs at an average of 38.24, including four centuries and 34 half-centuries.

Aqib Javed Was Really Good and Underrated - Wasim Akram

When asked about which player he wanted to share the field with, Akram named two modern greats. He said that if given the opportunity, he would like to play alongside Virat Kohli and Joe Root.

"I think if I have to play against any player, there are a couple of names I would mention. I know one, but I’ll pick Virat Kohli and Joe Root," Akram said.

Akram revealed that he would choose winning the World Test Championship over the World Cup, describing it as the ultimate challenge. He named Waqar Younis as his favorite bowling partner and called Aqib Javed an underrated talent from his era.

"World Test Championship. We didn't have a World Test Championship, but that's the ultimate, I reckon. Long race," Akram stated.

"I don't remember that far, but if I have to name one Pakistani bowler, it was Aqib Javed. He was really good and he was underrated," Akram opined.

Wasim Akram Names Imran Khan as the Best Captain He Played Under

Wasim Akram described the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) as the nicest venue in world cricket. When asked to choose between hitting the winning runs or taking the wicket, he said he would always prefer taking the match-winning dismissal.

Akram hailed Imran Khan as the best captain he had played under. He also shared the most valuable advice he received during his career.

"Take the winning wickets, always," Akram added.

"One and only, the great Imran Khan."

"Success doesn't come easy. And once you perform, enjoy that day and move on quickly, because that will be history," he concluded.

Also read: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli kicked aside as Prabhsimran Singh picks India legends as favorite players