All-time World ODI XI post-2000

#8) Wasim Akram (Pakistan)

Wasim Akram

Wasim Akram is a former Pakistani cricketer. He is acknowledged as one of the greatest bowlers of all time. A left-arm fast bowler who could bowl with significant pace, he represented the Pakistan cricket team in Test cricket and One Day International (ODI) matches.

Akram is regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers in the history of the game, and perhaps the finest of all left-arm fast bowlers. It is not an exaggeration to say that there is not an aspect of fast bowling that Akram did not have complete mastery over. His place as the greatest left-arm pacer remains unrivaled.

Nicknamed the 'Sultan of Swing' for his exceptional ability to swing the ball, Akram deceived the batsmen with his wide repertoire of skills and was very hard to score off. He also holds the record for being the first bowler in the world to breach the 500-wicket barrier in ODIs.

In 356 ODI matches, Akram has taken 502 wickets at an outstanding average of 23.53.

Not surprisingly, he was also one of the most parsimonious bowlers of his era as his economy of 3.89 shows. The left-arm wizard is an automatic choice and will be the leader of our pace attack.