TAROUBA: Pakistan pacer Mohammad Abbas overtook former captain Imran Khan to register the best bowling average among the country’s pace bowlers with at least 100 Test wickets.
Abbas recorded the feat after dismissing Brandon King and Kavem Hodge during West Indies second innings in the first Test at the Brian Lara Stadium.
Abbas, who also claimed three wickets in the first innings, has now taken 115 wickets in 30 Tests at an average of 22.78, edging past Imran Khan’s average of 22.81. Waqar Younis is third on the list with 373 wickets in 87 Tests at an average of 23.56.
Best averages for Pakistan in Tests (Min 100 Tests)
Mohammad Abbas — 115 wickets in 30 Tests | Average: 22.78
Imran Khan — 362 wickets in 88 Tests | Average: 22.81
Waqar Younis — 373 wickets in 87 Tests | Average: 23.56
The seamer made his Test debut against West Indies in Kingston in 2017 after receiving his cap from then-captain Misbah-ul-Haq.
Despite an impressive first-class record, Abbas spent more than three years out of Pakistan’s Test side before returning against South Africa in Centurion in December 2025.
Since his recall, he has re-established himself as a key member of Pakistan’s pace attack, taking 15 wickets in three Tests in 2026, including a five-wicket haul.
Abbas also continues to rank among the most prolific active bowlers in first-class cricket. He is fourth on the list with 894 wickets in 220 matches at an average of 20.36.
Most Wickets in First-Class Cricket Among Active Players
James Anderson – 312 Matches | 1,181 Wickets | Avg: 24.30
Simon Harmer – 247 Matches | 1,054 Wickets | Avg: 26.18
Malinda Pushpakumara – 174 Matches | 1,010 Wickets | Avg: 20.05
Mohammad Abbas – 220 Matches | 894 Wickets | Avg: 20.36
Nathan Lyon – 238 Matches | 860 Wickets | Avg: 32.19
