On this day in 1997, former Pakistan opener Saeed Anwar smashed the then highest individual score, 194, in One-day International (ODI) history against India in Chennai.

Anwar’s majestic 146-ball knock included 22 fours and five maximums as he smacked the Indian bowlers to all parts of the ground — much to the disappointment of the local crowd.  

A disheartened Anwar announced his retirement from all cricket in 2003.

"I am happy that I am leaving the game when many people feel I can still play on for another two years. But I have also been disheartened by the selectors' decision to ignore me after the World Cup," Anwar told a news conference.

The 34-year-old left-hander ended a 15-year career with 4,052 runs at an average of 45.52 in 55 Tests and 8,823 runs, averaging 39.21, in 247 ODIs.

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 Former England captain Nasser Hussain and former Australia cricketer Dean Jones also paid tribute to Anwar on this occasion.

A computer engineer by qualification, and a Wisden cricketer of the year in 1997, will be remembered as an elegant player on the world stage who flourished on pure timing and placements.

His record was equaled by Zimbabwe’s Charles Coventry in 2009 and eventually broken by Indian batting great, Sachin Tendulkar, a year later. Meanwhile, opening batsman Fakhar Zaman became Pakistan’s first double centurion in ODIs, when he smashed 210 off 156 deliveries against Zimbabwe at Bulawayo in 2018.

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