Abbas Joins Pakistan’s Elite 800-Wicket Club in First-Class Cricket

Veteran fast bowler Mohammad Abbas has become only the fifth Pakistani pacer ever to claim 800 first-class wickets, accomplishing the milestone in his 198th match—remarkably fewer than those before him.

The milestone came during Nottinghamshire’s Division One clash against Somerset at Trent Bridge. Abbas struck early in the first innings, dismissing Somerset’s top three batsmen—his third wicket in the spell marking the 800‑wicket landmark. Of those, 284 wickets were taken in English county cricket, underscoring his outstanding impact with Nottinghamshire.

Elite Companion Club

Abbas now stands alongside Pakistan’s greatest pace legends in the first-class wicket tally:

Bowler	First-Class Wickets	Matches Played
Imran Khan	1,287	382
Wasim Akram	1,042	257
Sarfaraz Nawaz	956	299
Waqar Younis	800	228
Mohammad Abbas	800	198*

*Abbas reached this mark in significantly fewer matches than Waqar Younis did.

Career & Form Overview

At 35 years old, Abbas has enjoyed a resurgence in his debut county season. He has already bagged 25 wickets in seven matches at a stellar average of 22.04, showcasing sharp control and consistency.

Internationally, he appeared in 27 Test matches from 2017–2025, taking exactly 100 wickets at an average of 23.18, supported by five five-wicket hauls and one 10-wicket match. 

Earlier in 2025, Abbas earned a comeback to Pakistan’s Test squad following exceptional performances in the Quaid‑e‑Azam Trophy, where he claimed 31 wickets in just five matches.

Why This Milestone Matters

• Legacy cemented: Abbas’s achievement places him firmly among the all-time greats of Pakistani-fast bowling in first-class cricket.
   
• Efficiency in wickets: Reaching 800 wickets in fewer matches than Waqar highlights his match-winning consistency throughout his career.
   
• Renewed momentum: His form in Pakistan’s domestic circuit and in England gains momentum amid a national recall, signalling reliability and experience.
   

Mohammad Abbas’s 800-wicket milestone is not just a personal achievement—it’s a proud moment in Pakistan’s cricketing history and a reminder of his sustained excellence across both domestic and international arenas.