Wasim celebrates 500 wickets

PAARL, Feb 25: Former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram on Tuesday had reasons to celebrate after he became the first bowler to scalp 500 batsmen in One-day Internationals when he dismissed Holland's opener Nick Statham.

Wasim had to wait a bit longer for his 500th victim as Holland decided to field first after winning the toss but he wasted little time in achieving the milestone. He has now taken 502 wickets in 354 one-dayers.

Incidentally, Wasim's first scalp was Australian opener Robbie Kerr when the demon left-arm speedster began his international career in late 1984.

Wasim intends to quit international cricket after the World Cup but was undecided when to make the announcement.

"I am talking to my family, friends and well-wishers about the retirement. It (the decision) will not be a hasty one as I do not want to regret it afterwards," he told Dawn.

Wasim said he was lucky to have won every honour the game could bestow on a player and would not like to become a liability and quit when on top.

"I am no longer getting younger and I am fully aware that it is getting difficult every day to keep yourself motivated and fit to give your best at both limited over and Test versions of the game," he said.

The former Lancashire captain also revealed that he was considering an offer from English county Hampshire to skipper their team this season as a replacement for the banned Australian spin king Shane Warne.

Wasim also disclosed that after quitting the game he would be signing on with television channel ESPN as a commentator as cricket had been his life and the only job.

Reuters adds: The 36-year-old admitted he was a relieved man. "I was really under pressure last night and, like any youngster, although I am not a youngster, I couldn't get to sleep. But now I'm relaxed and, yes, relieved... It was a feeling more of relief than ecstasy."

Statham out for a duck after playing a typically inswinging Wasim delivery back on to his stumps.

"I'm very excited but in the end what matters is that Pakistan should qualify," added Wasim, who later returned to the attack to take two more wickets and help his side to a 97-run victory. "I think we are going in the right direction.

"I would like to dedicate this to all the people who have supported me in the last 18 years."

Wasim said two former Pakistan captains as the biggest influences on his career.

"Imran (Khan) was the main man who helped me, and Javed Miandad," he said. "Imran and Javed Miandad taught me how important it was to work hard and do it with passion, and I am still doing that."

Pakistan captain Waqar Younis is the only other player to take more than 400 One-day International wickets.