NOTTINGHAM: Pakistan’s seasoned fast bowler Mohammad Abbas added a historic chapter to his illustrious career on Tuesday by becoming only the fifth Pakistani pacer to take 800 wickets in first-class cricket. The 35-year-old achieved this major feat while playing for Nottinghamshire in a County Championship Division One match against Somerset at Trent Bridge.
Abbas secured three key wickets during Somerset’s first innings, dismantling their top order and bringing his career tally to 800 wickets in just his 198th first-class appearance. His achievement places him among the pantheon of Pakistan’s greatest fast bowlers, alongside legendary names like Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, Sarfaraz Nawaz, and Waqar Younis.
Most First-Class Wickets by Pakistan Fast Bowlers:
- Imran Khan – 1,287 wickets in 382 matches
- Wasim Akram – 1,042 wickets in 257 matches
- Sarfaraz Nawaz – 956 wickets in 299 matches
- Waqar Younis – 800 wickets in 228 matches
- Mohammad Abbas – 800 wickets in 198 matches
Abbas’s consistency and sharp seam bowling have made him a vital force in domestic and international cricket. In his debut season with Nottinghamshire, Abbas has been a standout performer, claiming 25 wickets in just seven matches at an impressive average of 22.04. His ability to swing the ball both ways and maintain disciplined line and length continues to trouble batters in English conditions.
Beyond domestic circuits, Abbas has also made a strong impact in the international arena. Between 2017 and 2025, he represented Pakistan in 27 Test matches, capturing exactly 100 wickets at a superb average of 23.18. His international record includes five five-wicket hauls and one 10-wicket match haul—testament to his ability to deliver breakthroughs under pressure.
Earlier this year, Abbas was recalled to Pakistan’s Test squad after a four-year absence, earning a spot in the home series against South Africa. His return was based on a dominant performance in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, where he picked up 31 wickets in just five matches—reaffirming his class and fitness at the domestic level.
As Mohammad Abbas crosses this monumental 800-wicket mark, he not only joins a legendary group of bowlers but also inspires a new generation of Pakistani pacers. His journey from domestic cricket to international stardom and now to English county success stands as a shining example of perseverance, skill, and passion for the game.
