Waqar Younis is one of Pakistan’s greatest fast bowlers, renowned for his toe‑crushing yorkers and mastery of reverse swing. His fastest delivery was 153 km/h (95.1 mph). He bowled it against South Africa in 1993. Alongside Wasim Akram, he formed one of the most feared fast‑bowling duos in cricket history. His pace, aggression, and lethal swing made him a nightmare for batters throughout the 1990s.
Personal Profile
- Full Name: Waqar Younis Maitla
- Born: 16 November 1971, Vehari, Punjab, Pakistan
- Age: 54 years (as of 2026)
- Height: 6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
- Batting Style: Right‑handed
- Bowling Style: Right‑arm fast
- Role: Fast bowler
- Nicknames: “Burewala Express”
- Domestic/Franchise Teams: Pakistan, Glamorgan, Warwickshire, Surrey, Lahore Badshahs (ICL)
Waqar Younis Statistics
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Bowl Avg | Runs | Bat Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 87 | 373 | 7/76 | 23.6 | 1,010 | 10.2 |
| ODIs | 262 | 416 | 7/36 | 23.8 | 1,170 | 13.0 |
| First‑Class | 154 | 1,100+ | 8/– | ~22 | 2,000+ | ~12 |
| List A | 407 | 600+ | 7/– | ~24 | 1,800+ | ~13 |
Career Highlights
- International Debut: ODI debut vs India (Oct 1989); Test debut vs India (Nov 1989).
- Reverse Swing Mastery: Famous for late inswinging yorkers that demolished stumps.
- Records: Youngest to reach 200 ODI wickets; fastest to 400 ODI wickets at the time.
- Partnership with Wasim Akram: Formed one of cricket’s deadliest fast‑bowling pairs.
- Captaincy: Captained Pakistan in Tests and ODIs during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
- Coaching Career: Served as Pakistan’s head coach multiple times, including during the 2015 ICC World Cup.
Style of Play
- Bowling: Express pace, lethal yorkers, and reverse swing mastery.
- Batting: Lower‑order hitter, occasionally useful for quick runs.
- Temperament: Aggressive, attacking mindset, always hunting wickets.
Net Worth & Post‑Career
- Estimated Net Worth (2026): $5–7 million USD (from cricket, coaching, commentary, endorsements).
- Post‑Retirement Roles: Coach, commentator, mentor, and cricket analyst.
Conclusion
Waqar Younis’s career is defined by speed, swing, and sheer aggression. His toe‑crushing yorkers and reverse swing artistry made him one of the most feared bowlers in cricket history. As a player, captain, and coach, he remains a towering figure in Pakistan’s cricketing legacy.
See More: Wasim Akram