Javed Miandad: Profile of Pakistan’s Resourceful Run-Machine
A profile of Javed Miandad, Pakistan’s prolific right-handed batter known for his debut 163 and the last-ball six at Sharjah in 1986.
Javed Miandad is regarded as one of Pakistan’s finest batters. Cheeky, competitive and resourceful, he scored heavily for two decades and was known for his ability to rescue his team from difficult positions.
Early life and rise
Born in Karachi, Javed started out in domestic cricket as a teenager. He made his Test debut for Pakistan against New Zealand in 1976 and scored 163 in his first Test innings at Lahore, an achievement that marked him out as a major talent. He also played in the 1975 World Cup, the first of the six World Cups in which he appeared.
Playing style
Javed combined excellent footwork with a keen eye for the gaps and was especially good at working the ball into spaces and running hard between wickets. He could play patiently or attack as required, and he was known for taking on bowlers verbally and mentally. His part-time leg-spin was a minor contribution.
Career highlights
In 1983 he made an unbeaten 280 against India at Hyderabad, one of the highest Test scores by a Pakistan batter. His best-known moment in limited-overs cricket came at Sharjah in 1986, when he hit a six off the last ball of the Austral-Asia Cup final, off Chetan Sharma, to win the match for Pakistan against India.
In 124 Tests he scored 8,832 runs at an average of about 52.6, including 23 centuries, as of the end of 2024. He played county cricket for Sussex and Glamorgan, and he took part in the 1992 World Cup-winning campaign. He also captained Pakistan on several occasions.
Legacy
Javed retired from international cricket in 1996 and later worked in coaching and administration, including as Pakistan’s coach. He is remembered as a fighter who delivered in tight situations, and his influence on later Pakistan batters is widely acknowledged.
Frequently asked questions
What was Javed Miandad’s debut Test score?
He scored 163 against New Zealand in Lahore in 1976.
What is Javed Miandad’s famous six?
He hit the last ball of the 1986 Austral-Asia Cup final at Sharjah for six to beat India.
How many Test runs did Javed Miandad score?
He scored 8,832 runs in 124 Tests, as of the end of 2024.