Greatest Pakistan Test XI of all time
Unlike most of the other teams in the long and illustrious history of the format, Pakistan did not take too long to make rapid strides in Test cricket. After showing their immense potential by registering path-breaking triumphs during the 1950s, they embarked on a roller-coaster ride which has added fresher twists and turns to continue captivating the spectators. Thus far, they have played 412 Tests and their current win-loss ratio of 1.081 (132 victories and 122 defeats) is currently fourth best among the ten Test teams.
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The age-old belief in Pakistani cricket circles traverses two of their most iconic cities. While Lahore has provided them with flamboyant fast bowlers, Karachi has enriched their batting fortunes by offering shrewd operators. Assembling Pakistan's all time Test XI, encompassing the lengths and breadths of the country, only reiterates the interesting dichotomy. Emphasis has been placed on overall consistency and prominent performances against top teams.
(*Note: Statistics for active players are accurate as of 28th February, 2018)
#5 Openers
Saeed Anwar was the epitome of left-handed elegance. When on song, his exquisite drives and delectable pick-up shots were almost ethereal in nature. Curiously, he played only 55 Tests in a 14-year career at the highest level. However, during those matches, the stylish opener managed to enthrall spectators with his regal stroke-play. He scored 4052 runs at an average of 45.52 with 11 centuries and 25 fifties.
Possessing seemingly endless reservoirs of patience, Hanif Mohammad carried Pakistan's batting lineup on his shoulders at a time when they were still searching for their identity. His marathon 970-minute 337 in the 1958 Barbados Test remains an enduring symbol of the rewarding grind of Test cricket. From 55 matches, he accumulated 3915 runs at an average of 43.98 with 12 tons and 15 fifties.