Wasim Raja remembered on his death anniversary
Raja represented Pakistan in 57 Tests, 54 ODIs
LAHORE (Web Desk) – Wasim Hasan Raja was born on July 3, 1952, in Multan. He belonged to a family of cricket players as he and his younger brother Rameez Raja had the privilege to represent the national side in international encounters whereas his father and other brother played numerous first-class matches.
With a career spanning over 12 years, Raja represented Pakistan in 57 Test matches and 54 One Day Internationals. Raja was a left-handed middle-order batsman who used to bowl right arm leg-break bowler. With a batting average of 36.16 in Tests, his best of 125 came against India in a match played at Jalandhar.
Wasim and Rameez Raja
He bagged 51 wickets in the 57 Tests he played with his career best of 4 for 50 which was also against India in that very same match in which he scored 125 runs with the bat. Raja served as a match referee in 15 Tests and 34 one-days for a couple of years. He also served as a coach for Pakistan’s Under-19 side.
Raja bowling his legbreak googly
Wasim Raja was well known for his final wicket partnership of 133 along with former wicket-keeper batsman Wasim Bari against West Indies after Pakistan was in tatters at a total of 158-9 on day four in the second innings of the game but gave the Windies a respectable total of 309 to chase courtesy this magnificent stand between Raja and Bari. The match ended in a draw, however.
Pakistani cricketers at Raja s wedding reception
Raja married an Englishwoman named Ann and settled in London. He served as a teacher of various subjects at Catherham School in Surrey and also used to teach cricket at Haslemere Preparatory School.
Raja as ICC match referee (2002)
Wasim Raja died on August 23, 2006, in Marlow, Buckinghamshire in England while he was playing cricket and representing Surrey. He was survived by his wife and two sons, Ali and Ahmed, both cricketers.
