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| | Saturday, 5 October, 2002, 13:56 GMT 14:56 UK Shoaib: I'm the best  On your way: Shoaib dismisses Adam Gilchrist Pakistani paceman Shoaib Akhtar was understandably elated after his five-wicket haul sparked an Australian collapse in Colombo. "I want to be the greatest and this performance has proved yet again that I am the best fast bowler on this planet," he said. Mark and Steve Waugh and Adam Gilchrist were among Shoaib's victims, all of them beaten by sheer pace and reverse swing. But he was denied a hat-trick for the second time in the game when his first ball to Steve Waugh hit the inside edge and just missed the leg-stump. Shoaib now has 77 wickets from 22 Tests, but 31 of them have been taken this year in only six matches.
He has also excelled in one-day cricket, producing the world's first 100mph delivery against New Zealand in Lahore and taking five for 13 in Brisbane as Pakistan beat Australia 2-1 in the Super Challenge II series. "I want to be the best against the best - and my performance against the number one team has proved me the best," the 27-year-old said. Shoaib was warned by umpire Steve Bucknor after bowling a beamer at Brett Lee, who had struck him on the helmet during Pakistan's first innings. He insisted, however, that it was a complete accident. "It went out of my hand. Lee is my mate and had he got hurt, I would have been sad." Shoaib has put injury problems and controversy about the legality of his bowling action firmly behind him. He now includes playing a "lead role" in helping Pakistan win the World Cup in South Africa next year among his targets. "I just want to forget every negative thing and do my best for the game and my country," he added. | |
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