We were not scared of Azharuddin but definitely scared of Sachin Tendulkar, says ex-Pakistan cricketer as he recalls Wasim Akram's words

Sachin Tendulkar is undoubtedly one of the greatest batsmen of all time. The former India batsman enjoyed a stellar career in international cricket, performing extraordinarily for more than two decades.

The legendary batsman scored heavily across all the formats and against all the teams. Even legendary bowlers such as Wasim Akram, Muttiah Muralitharan, Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Waqar Younis, and others struggled against him. While Tendulkar's stature in the game is well known in the cricketing fraternity, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali's recent revelation will only increase his aura.

The former cricketer has revealed just how big a wicket Sachin Tendulkar used to be during his playing days. Basit Ali said that the then-Pakistan captain Wasim Akram only used to focus on Sachin Tendulkar's wicket. According to Basit Ali, Akram used to say that 'dismiss Sachin and we'll win the match'. He also stated that Pakistan did fear Sachin Tendulkar.

"He (Tendulkar) was a top order batsman and I was a middle order batsman, so we used to see his batting. In our team meetings, our captain at that time Wasim Akram used to say everywhere, even during practice, even during meals, 'dismiss Sachin and we'll win the match'," said Basit Ali.

"And soon as Sachin used to get out, Pakistan used to win the match. Even though the great Azharuddin was there, but we were not scared of Azharuddin, but definitely scared of Sachin Tendulkar," he added.

Pakistan Ex cricketer @BasitAOfficial on Sachin Tendulkar

Wasim Bhai har jagah yahi kehte thee Sachin ka wicket le lo hum Pak match Jeet jayega

But chole bhature ka oil jab dimag me jyda rukne lagta hai to dikkat hona swabhavik hai.#SachinTendulkar pic.twitter.com/93FBBoFSYO

??? AT10 (@Loyalsachfan10) July 23, 2024

Sachin Tendulkar's record against Pakistan:

Sachin Tendulkar enjoyed good success against Pakistan in Tests as well as ODIs. He played 18 Tests against the arch-rivals and scored 1057 at an average of 42.28. Tendulkar hit two centuries and seven half-centuries in Tests against Pakistan.

In ODIs, he scored 2526 runs in 69 games at an average of 40.09 and a strike rate of 87.49. Tendulkar scored five centuries and 16 half-centuries against the Men in Green. Overall, Tendulkar scored more than 30,000 runs in international cricket with the help of a staggering 100 centuries.

In ODIs, he scored 18426 runs with the help of 49 tons and 96 half-centuries. In Tests, he scored 15921 runs including 51 centuries and 68 half-centuries.