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A Pakistan Batter Destroyed Indian Bowlers To Shatter Records - The Birth Of A Legend

Saeed Anwar scored a record-breaking 194 vs India (x.com)Saeed Anwar scored a record-breaking 194 vs India (x.com)

Former Pakistan cricketer Saeed Anwar turned 56 on Friday, September 6. The legendary opening batter, a veteran of 55 Tests and 247 ODIs, celebrated a decorated Pakistan career during his 14-year international journey between 1989 and 2003.

One of the highlights of Anwar’s individual playing career occurred during Pakistan’s 1997 Pepsi Independence Cup tour of India, where the firebrand opener claimed a huge ODI batting record. Here at OneCricket, we take a look at the opening batter’s record-breaking knock at the Chepauk Stadium from 27 years ago.

When Saeed Anwar clattered Indian bowlers

In match number six of the 1997 Pepsi Independence Cup in Chennai, then Pakistan opener Saeed Anwar pummeled hosts India with a huge century. The cricketer carted 194 runs in all, from just 146 deliveries while smearing 22 boundaries and five scorching sixes in the process.

While Anwar missed out on a chance of recording a rare double-century in ODI cricket, he still ended up amassing the highest men’s individual score in format’s history at the time. Moreover, Anwar’s Chennai epic held the record for the highest individual men’s score in ODIs for over a decade until Zimbabwe’s Charles Coventry levelled the feat against Bangladesh in August 2009.

Courtesy of his batting blitz, Pakistan hauled a staggering total of 327-5 from 50 overs after they opted to bat first. Notably, the next highest score of the Pakistan innings turned out to be a mere 33-run effort recorded by an unbeaten Inzamam-ul-Haq at number five.

Later in the match, fast bowler Aaqib Javed (5-61) and premier spinner Saqlain Mushtaq (2-46) complimented Saeed Anwar’s batting efforts by claiming seven Indian wickets between them. The duo restricted the hosts to just 292 in the run-chase to secure a huge 35-run win for Pakistan.

Saeed Anwar was fittingly acknowledged for his record-breaking knock with a ‘Player of the Match’ recognition. The innings marked one of his 20 ODI tons from 247 matches, alongside 43 additional half-centuries.