Tarnished by controversy, this Pak cricketer frequently rose to the occasion in crisis situations

By Harsh Thakor*

Saleem Malik, born on April 16, 1963, was one of the most aesthetically pleasing and arguably one of the greatest Pakistani batsmen of the 1980s and 90s. It's a tragedy that his brilliant career is often overshadowed by match-fixing allegations rather than the flair and finesse that defined his batting.

Batting Style

David Gower once described Malik's delicate stroke-making as "batting with velvet gloves." He was a joy to watch at the crease, a combative player who could deliver scintillating displays of strokeplay, crafting batting classics.

Malik effortlessly dispatched straight balls past cover-point, whipped deliveries through midwicket with street-smart craft, hit sixes over point, and guided the ball with equal virtuosity in the 'V.' Even his more adventurous strokes were executed with finesse and precision.

A master of handling the swinging ball, Malik's batting was a blend of technique, talent, and tenacity. He frequently rose to the occasion in crisis situations, often with his team in dire straits. He truly embodied the phrase "cometh the hour, cometh the man," his breathtaking audacity a sight to behold.

Early Career

At age 12, Malik accompanied his brother to the Victorious Club in Iqbal Park, Lahore, where he began bowling leg-spin. Club coach Rabb Nawaz recognized his superior batting talent and taught him to overcome the challenges of the hook and cut shots, while emphasizing the importance of playing straight.

Malik scored a century in his second First-Class match for Lahore at just 16. His top score for the Pakistan Under-19 side against Australia, televised nationally, quickly marked him as a future star.

International Career Highlights

Malik toured Australia with the Pakistan side in 1981-82 but saw limited action. In his debut Test against Sri Lanka at Karachi in 1982, he batted at No. 3 and scored 12 in the first innings. In the second, he came in at No. 4 and smashed a century, becoming the youngest Pakistani (at 18 years and 328 days) to achieve this feat on debut.

During the West Indies' tour in 1986, Malik was struck on the wrist by a Courtney Walsh delivery in the first Test. Despite the injury, with Pakistan struggling at 296 for 9, he bravely batted for 41 minutes, remaining unbeaten on 3. This crucial contribution paved the way for Pakistan's remarkable victory, with Imran Khan and Abdul Qadir dismissing the West Indies for just 53 in the second innings.

While his wrist injury hampered his performance in the subsequent tour of India, Malik played one of ODI cricket's most memorable innings, scoring 72 off 36 balls to rescue his team from near defeat. His grit and nerve turned the tide of the match.

In the Reliance World Cup that followed, Imran Khan promoted Malik to No. 3. He delivered consistent performances, including a 95-ball century against Sri Lanka and a match-winning 88 against England.

Malik truly blossomed during the 1987 tour of England. At Leeds, in the third Test, his classic 99 rescued Pakistan from a batting collapse, securing a crucial victory. He then scored his long-awaited sixth Test century in the final Test at The Oval, as Pakistan amassed 708 runs. He was named a Wisden Cricketer of the Year for 1988, playing a key role in Pakistan's first series win in England.

In 1988 against the West Indies at Trinidad, Malik's 66-run gem in the second Test lifted Pakistan from a precarious 68-7, setting the stage for a near-victory.

In 1992, he began the Test series against England with a bang, scoring 165 at Edgbaston in a 332-run partnership with Miandad. He followed this with a quickfire 55 at Lord's as Pakistan won a thrilling two-wicket victory. At Headingley, Malik showcased his mastery in seaming conditions, scoring unbeaten innings of 82 and 84 despite a batting collapse around him. He contributed a useful 40 in the final Test as Pakistan won the series at The Oval.

Malik was appointed captain for the tour of New Zealand in 1993-94. His captaincy, lasting just over a year, saw seven wins and three losses in 12 Tests, but was marred by controversy. Match-fixing allegations surfaced concerning a Test and an ODI played in Christchurch.

Despite the controversies, Malik led Pakistan to series wins against New Zealand and Sri Lanka. Back home, Pakistan won a nail-biting Test against Australia at Karachi, a match later scrutinized due to allegations of Malik attempting to bribe Shane Warne, Tim May, and Mark Waugh. In the next Test at Rawalpindi, Malik scored a career-best 237, a magnificent rearguard effort. He followed this with 75 and 143 in the final Test, securing a memorable series win. His 557 runs in that series were a record for a Pakistani batsman against Australia.

After a loss to South Africa and an embarrassing defeat to Zimbabwe, Malik was suspended due to match-fixing allegations and never captained again.

In 1996, Malik made a strong comeback, scoring an unbeaten century at The Oval against England. His final hundred came in Colombo the following year, a match-saving 155.

He played seven more Tests, crossing fifty only once. His final Test was against India in Kolkata during the Asian Test Championships. Despite Pakistan's early struggles, Malik contributed a vital 85-run partnership with Moin Khan.

Malik's career ended with a disappointing World Cup campaign in which he failed to reach double figures in four matches.

Statistical Record

Malik scored 5,768 runs at an average of 43.69 in 103 Tests, with 15 centuries. In 283 ODIs, he amassed 7,170 runs at an average of 32.88, with five centuries and 47 fifties.

He was particularly successful in England, averaging 66.50 with 931 runs. His averages against other major nations were: Australia 38.33, West Indies 29.20 (overall 46.20), demonstrating his ability to perform in different conditions.

An occasional slow inswing bowler, he took five Test wickets and 89 ODI wickets. A brilliant fielder in his younger days, he took 65 catches in Tests.

Match-Fixing Allegations

Wicketkeeper Rashid Latif's allegations, along with testimonies from Australian cricketers Shane Warne and Mark Waugh, led to Justice Malik Muhammad Qayyam's inquiry. Malik was found guilty of match-fixing and banned from cricket. His appeals were unsuccessful until a lower court eventually overturned the ban seven years later.

Assessment

While the match-fixing scandal prevented Malik from fully realizing his potential and joining the ranks of the all-time greats, he remains one of Pakistan's top ten batsmen. His strokeplay and ability to perform under pressure place him alongside Inzamam-ul-Haq and Javed Miandad. He played a crucial role in Pakistan's rise to the top of Test and ODI cricket.

---

*Freelance journalist

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