Former Pakistani cricketer Saeed Anwar celebrates his 50th birthday on Friday. Born on September 6, 1969, the opener was an explosive batsman who liked to attack the bowlers from the word go. Anwar is one of the best batsmen ever produced by Pakistan and was the mainstay of the team's batting line-up for over a decade. The southpaw has played many match-defining innings in his 14-year-old career but his best innings came against arch-rivals, India. In 1997, the batsman played a splendid innings of 194 runs against the Men in Blue and registered the highest ODI individual score at that time. The record stood for 13 years and was eventually broken by Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar in 2010. Shoaib Akhtar Pulls Misbah-Ul-Haq's Leg After Former Skipper Gets Dual Role by Pakistan Cricket Board (See Tweet).

The stylish left-handed-batsman made his international debut on January 1989. The veteran featured in 55 Tests in which he amassed 4052 runs including 11 centuries. Talking about ODIs, Anwar played 247 games in which he scored 8824 runs with 20 centuries. The prolific left-handed batsman always batted with an aggressive intent and often proving to be a nightmare for the bowlers. Talking about his achievements, let's have a look at five sublime innings played by Saeed Anwar in international cricket. Misbah-ul-Haq, Waqar Younis Appointed Coaches For Pakistan Cricket Team.

194 Against India, Chennai

The Men in Blue faced the wrath of the majestic batsman in the sixth match of the Pepsi Independence Cup in 1997. Despite losing early wickets, Anwar batted with aggressive intent and hammered Indian bowlers to all the parts of the ground. The southpaw scored 194 runs and registered the highest ever ODI score at that time. Courtesy Anwar's century, Pakistan piled up 327 runs in the first innings. Later, India got bundled out for 292 runs and Pakistan won the match by 35 runs.

169 Against New Zealand, Wellington

In the second Test of Pakistan's 1993-94 Tour of New Zealand, the left-handed batsman played a magnificent inning and tormented the Kiwi bowlers. Batting first, the hosts got bundled out for mere 175 runs and the pitch seemed to be bowler-friendly. However, Anwar scored a scintillating ton and guided his team to 548/5 in the second innings. The hosts failed to make a comeback in the match and lost the clash by an innings and 12 runs.

176 Against England, London

Saeed Anwar showcased his batting prowess in the third Test of Pakistan's 1996 Tour of England. England piled up 326 runs in the first innings on a tricky oval wicket and looked firmly in control. However, the left-handed-batsman showed great resilience and scored a gritty hundred. Anwar's effort guided Pakistan to 521/8 in the second innings and later, the visitors won the match by 9 wickets.

188 Against India, Kolkata

Anwar's love for batting against India continued in the opening match of the Asian Test Championship 1999. India looked in control after Pakistan got bundled out for 185 runs in the first innings and later India got a lead of 38 runs. However, in the third innings of the match, the southpaw played aggressively and brought Pakistan back in the match. Anwar's effort proved to be substantial as Pakistan won the match by 46 runs.

104* Against Australia, Rawalpindi

The southpaw was at his premium best when Pakistan locked horns with Australia in the sixth match of Willis Triangular series in 1994. While chasing a target of 251 in the second innings, Anwar showed no mercy to the Australian bowlers and bashed the likes of Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne to all parts of the ground. Anwar scored a splendid ton and Pakistan easily won the match by 9 wickets.

The legendary batsman bid adieu to the game after the 2003 World Cup and many bowlers around the world breathed a sigh of relief. Since Anwar's retirement, Pakistan struggled to find a formidable opener who could fill the big boots of the southpaw. However, Fakhar Zaman has shown some promise and played some sublime innings in his short career and Pakistan will hope that Zaman could replicate Anwar's heroics in the international arena.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 05, 2019 07:16 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).