Abbas, who claimed three wickets in the West Indies’ first innings at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, carried his impressive form into the second innings
TRINIDAD: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-July 28th, 2026) Pakistan’s experienced fast bowler Mohammad Abbas achieved a major milestone in Test cricket on the third day of the opening Test against the West Indies, surpassing former captain Imran Khan to register the best bowling average among Pakistani pace bowlers.
Abbas, who claimed three wickets in the West Indies’ first innings at the Brian Lara Cricket academy, carried his impressive form into the second innings. He struck early by dismissing Brandon King and Kevlon Hodge in his third over before removing Justin Greaves to complete another three-wicket haul.
The performance improved Abbas’ Test bowling average to 22.69, eclipsing Imran Khan’s previous national record of 22.81 among Pakistani fast bowlers with a minimum of 100 Test wickets.
Since making his Test debut against the West Indies in 2017, Abbas has taken 116 wickets in 30 matches, while Imran Khan finished his career with 362 wickets in 88 Tests at an average of 22.81.
Pakistan’s best Test bowling averages among fast bowlers with at least 100 wickets are now:
Mohammad Abbas: 116 wickets in 30 Tests, average 22.69
Imran Khan: 362 wickets in 88 Tests, average 22.81
Waqar Younis: 373 wickets in 87 Tests, average 23.56
Abbas also became the sixth Pakistani fast bowler to claim 100 Test wickets in away matches, joining an elite group that includes Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Imran Khan, Mohammad Amir and Umar Gul. Among them, Abbas now boasts the best bowling average.
Meanwhile, the first Test remains finely poised. At the close of play on the third day, the West Indies were 126-7 in their second innings, holding an overall lead of 155 runs over Pakistan.
