Guess What! Imad Wasim did something special in ODIs that no other bowler managed
Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim, on Friday, December 13, announced his retirement from international cricket. He will, however, carry on playing domestic as well as franchise cricket.
A left-handed batter and left-arm spinner who will turn 36 on December 18, Imad represented Pakistan in 55 ODIs and 75 T20Is, scoring 986 and 554 runs respectively. With the ball, he claimed 44 one-day scalps and 73 in T20Is.
The all-rounder was in and out of Pakistan's white-ball squads during an international career that spanned almost a decade. However, he has one bowling feat to his credit that even some of the greats of the game did not manage. The left-arm spinner is the only bowler to have dismissed South African batting legend AB de Villiers for a golden duck in one-day internationals.
Imad got the better of De Villiers for a first-ball duck in the 2017 Champions Trophy group match in Birmingham. The Pakistan spinner bowled a flat and wide delivery that went on with the arm. De Villiers, who was leading the Proteas, tried to reach out for the ball, but only managed to skew it to the fielder at point. Incidentally, this was also the last instance of De Villiers getting out for zero in ODIs.
Speaking of the match, Pakistan went on to win the rain-hit game against South Africa by 19 runs (DLS method). Imad finished with figures of 2-20 from eight overs. Before De Villiers, he had also dismissed Hashim Amla, trapping him leg before for 16 runs.
"Hope to keep entertaining you all in new ways" - Imad Wasim in retirement note
Pakistan all-rounder Imad announced his international retirement through a post on his social media handle. Taking to X, he thanked his fans for their support and also confirmed that he would continue entertaining them in domestic and franchise cricket. He wrote:
"After much thought and reflection, I have decided to retire from international cricket. Representing Pakistan on the world stage has been the greatest honor of my life, and every moment wearing the green jersey has been unforgettable.
"Your unwavering support, love, and passion have always been my biggest strength. From the highs to the lows, your encouragement has pushed me to give my best for our beloved country.
"While this chapter comes to an end, I look forward to continuing my journey in cricket through domestic and franchise cricket, and I hope to keep entertaining you all in new ways," Imad's post on his international retirement concluded.
The Pakistan cricketer had retired from international cricket last year too, but made a comeback and represented the team in the 2024 T20 World Cup. He picked up 3-8 against Ireland in what turned out to be his last international match.