Saqlain Mushtaq, a pioneer of the “doosra” and a magician of spin bowling, troubled many a batsman during his illustrious career. Indian batsmen, in particular, faced the brunt of his guile and variations. Here’s a look at 5 of Saqlain’s most impactful spells against India:
- Chennai Test, 1999 (10 wickets for 187 runs): This spell remains etched in cricketing folklore. In the first Test of the 1998-99 series, Saqlain ran riot on a dusty Chennai track. He bamboozled the Indian batting line-up, claiming all ten wickets (both innings combined) for a mere 187 runs. This included the prized scalp of Sachin Tendulkar, who was clean bowled trying to dominate a Saqlain delivery.
- Toronto, 1997 (5 wickets for 45 runs): This ODI match, played in the neutral venue of Toronto, saw another gem from Saqlain. His unplayable doosras dismantled the Indian middle order, claiming crucial wickets of Ajay Jadeja, Rahul Dravid, and Mohammad Azharuddin. His spell of 5 wickets for just 45 runs restricted India to a below-par total, leading Pakistan to a comfortable victory.
- Kolkata Test, 1998 (7 wickets for 129 runs): The Eden Gardens witnessed another exhibition of Saqlain’s craft in 1998. He ripped through the Indian batting order with his sharp spin, taking 7 wickets for just 129 runs. This spell put Pakistan in a commanding position, though the match eventually ended in a draw.
- 5 for 94 – Delhi, 1999 (Test Match): The 1999 Test series in India became another stage for Saqlain Mushtaq’s brilliance. He displayed his experience and exceptional control over spin bowling by grabbing a well-deserved 5-wicket haul for just 94 runs in a single Delhi innings. This impressive feat was part of a remarkable 10-wicket match haul against the Indian batting line-up.
- Silver Jubilee Independence Cup (1998): The1998 Silver Jubilee Independence Cup, held in Dhaka, Bangladesh, saw Pakistani spinner Saqlain Mushtaq deliver a noteworthy performance. He picked up 4 crucial wickets, conceding only 41 runs in his spell. This economical and impactful bowling display undoubtedly played a significant role in his team’s performance during the match.
These are just a few examples of Saqlain Mushtaq’s mastery against India. His ability to turn the ball both ways and deceive batsmen with his variations made him a nightmare to face. While some spells might not have yielded a ten-wicket haul, their impact on the outcome of the match was undeniable.
