Zaheer Khan, India’s legendary left-arm fast bowler, has etched his name in cricket history as one of the most formidable bowlers of his era. His ability to swing the new ball both ways and reverse-swing the old ball made him a nightmare for batsmen, particularly left-handers. Among his many victims, former South African captain Graeme Smith stands out as a testament to Zaheer’s exceptional skills.
In 11 Test matches, Zaheer dismissed Smith seven times, showcasing his dominance over the South African opener. In white-ball cricket, Zaheer’s mastery over Smith was equally evident. He dismissed him six times in 14 ODIs and once in two T20Is.
Smith himself acknowledged Zaheer’s brilliance, stating, “He was one of the skillful bowlers I’ve faced, especially to left-handers. He got the ball to swing away and had a great change of pace. He bowled well with the reverse-swinging ball.”
Zaheer’s success against Smith stemmed from his ability to exploit the left-hander’s tendency to play across the line. By swinging the ball away from Smith, Zaheer forced him to reach for deliveries outside his off stump, often leading to edges or LBW dismissals.
Beyond his technical prowess, Zaheer possessed an unwavering determination and a competitive spirit that fueled his performances. He was known for his relentless pursuit of wickets and his ability to rise to the occasion in crucial moments.
Zaheer’s legacy as one of India’s greatest bowlers is cemented by his impressive career statistics. In 92 Tests, he claimed 311 wickets, while in 200 ODIs, he took 282 wickets. In 17 T20Is, he added 17 wickets to his tally.
Zaheer’s mastery over Graeme Smith serves as a testament to his exceptional skills and unwavering determination. He remains an inspiration to aspiring bowlers and a legend in the annals of Indian cricket.
