Sporting icons : Javed Miandad - career highlights & video of Pakistani batting legend

 

Javed Miandad, full name Mohammad Javed Miandad Khan, was born on June 12, 1957, in Karachi, Pakistan. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen Pakistan has ever produced, known for his exceptional technique, tenacity, and ability to perform under pressure.

### Career Highlights

1. **Test Debut and Early Success (1976-1979)**:

   - **Debut**: Miandad made his Test debut for Pakistan on October 9, 1976, against New Zealand in Lahore. He scored a brilliant 163 in his debut match.

   - **Youngest Double Centurion**: In his third Test match against New Zealand, Miandad scored 206, making him the youngest player to score a double century in Test cricket at the age of 19 years and 140 days.

2. **Consistent Performer (1980s)**:

   - **1982 Series Against India**: Miandad was instrumental in Pakistan's series win against India, scoring 280 runs in six innings at an average of 56.00.

   - **Captaincy**: He captained Pakistan in different periods, known for his astute leadership and aggressive captaincy style. Miandad first became captain in 1980 and had multiple stints until 1993.

3. **1986 Austral-Asia Cup**:

   - **Famous Six**: One of Miandad’s most famous moments came in the final of the 1986 Austral-Asia Cup against India in Sharjah, where he hit a last-ball six off Chetan Sharma to win the match for Pakistan. This moment is etched in cricketing folklore.

4. **World Cup Success (1992)**:

   - **1992 Cricket World Cup**: Miandad played a crucial role in Pakistan’s World Cup victory in 1992 under the captaincy of Imran Khan. He was Pakistan's leading run-scorer in the tournament, contributing significantly in key matches.

5. **Longevity and Records**:

   - **Test Matches**: Miandad played 124 Test matches, scoring 8,832 runs at an average of 52.57, with 23 centuries and 43 half-centuries. His highest score in Tests was 280* against India.

   - **ODIs**: He played 233 One Day Internationals (ODIs), amassing 7,381 runs at an average of 41.70, including 8 centuries and 50 half-centuries. His highest ODI score was 119*.

6.   Javed Miandad had a distinguished career in Cricket World Cups, representing Pakistan in six tournaments from 1975 to 1996. Here are some of his notable World Cup records and performances:

### World Cup Performances

A. **1975 World Cup**:

   - Miandad, only 18 at the time, participated in the inaugural Cricket World Cup but did not make a significant impact.

B. **1979 World Cup**:

   - Miandad showed glimpses of his potential, but Pakistan did not progress beyond the semi-finals.

C. **1983 World Cup**:

   - Pakistan reached the semi-finals. Miandad played a crucial role in the middle order, but they were defeated by the West Indies.

D. **1987 World Cup**:

   - This World Cup was co-hosted by Pakistan and India. Miandad had a significant impact, scoring 5 fifties in the tournament. Pakistan reached the semi-finals but lost to Australia in a close match.

E. **1992 World Cup**:

   - This was the pinnacle of Miandad's World Cup career. Pakistan won their first World Cup under the captaincy of Imran Khan.

   - **Key Performances**: Miandad scored 437 runs in 9 matches at an average of 62.42, including five fifties. His consistency and experience were vital in Pakistan's successful campaign.

   - **Final**: He played a crucial role in the final against England, scoring 58 runs, helping Pakistan set a competitive total.

6. **1996 World Cup**:

   - Miandad's last World Cup appearance. Pakistan reached the quarter-finals but were eliminated by India. Miandad's performance was less impactful compared to previous tournaments, and he retired from international cricket after this World Cup.

### World Cup Statistics

- **Matches Played**: 33

- **Runs Scored**: 1,083

- **Batting Average**: 43.32

- **Centuries**: 1

- **Half-Centuries**: 8

- **Highest Score**: 103 runs

- **Key Record**: Miandad was the first player to appear in six World Cups, a record he shares with India's Sachin Tendulkar (since matched by others as well).

### Legacy in World Cups

- **Consistency**: Miandad was known for his consistent performances across all World Cups, particularly in crucial matches.

- **Finisher**: His ability to perform under pressure and finish games was invaluable for Pakistan.

- **1992 Triumph**: His role in the 1992 World Cup win remains one of his most celebrated achievements, highlighting his importance in Pakistan's cricketing history.

Javed Miandad's World Cup career showcased his skill, tenacity, and experience, making him one of the legends of the tournament.

7. **Post-Retirement and Coaching**:

   - **Coaching**: After retiring from international cricket in 1996, Miandad took on coaching roles for Pakistan’s national team at various times, helping to nurture new talent and providing his vast experience to the team.

8. **Legacy**:

   - **Master of Pressure Situations**: Miandad is celebrated for his ability to handle pressure and his never-give-up attitude. He was particularly known for his ability to play long, match-saving innings.

   - **Technical Mastery**: His impeccable technique and innovative batting style have inspired generations of cricketers.

Javed Miandad's career is marked by numerous memorable innings, leadership qualities, and a significant impact on Pakistani cricket both on and off the field. He also had several showdowns with opposition players due to his gamesmanship tendencies and was regarded as a tough character on the field with a fair share of controversies.   His contributions have left an indelible mark on the sport.

In the below video , watch Javed Miandad scoring a magnificent 260 vs England at Oval in 1987 that helped Pakistan to complete a series win in England.