OTD | An astonishing West Indies collapse left Pakistan on the brink of victory in the first Test in Faisalabad

On This Day in 1986, cricket fans witnessed an astonishing collapse by the West Indies, as Pakistan pushed them to the brink of an unexpected defeat in a Test match at Faisalabad. The Caribbean side, known for its batting prowess and typically dominant performances, crumbled in pursuit of a modest 240-run target. 

The collapse was one of the era’s most striking Test moments, ultimately resulting in Pakistan’s memorable victory. The West Indies’ target of 240 seemed reachable, especially given their formidable lineup, but the pitch in Faisalabad had other ideas. 

With Abdul Qadir and Imran Khan leading Pakistan’s bowling attack, the visitors were immediately under pressure. Imran Khan’s early breakthroughs set the tone, dismissing both openers, Desmond Haynes and Gordon Greenidge, cheaply. The West Indies were soon struggling at 16 for 2, a shocking start that hinted at more trouble to come.

Abdul Qadir delivered a historic spell

Abdul Qadir, Pakistan’s legendary leg-spinner, was unstoppable as he tore through the West Indies’ middle order. His deadly spin proved too challenging for even seasoned batsmen like Richie Richardson and Viv Richards, who found themselves falling in quick succession. 

Qadir’s 6-wicket haul for just 16 runs, a spell that could only be described as magical, saw West Indies falling from one disaster to the next. From 16 for 2, they were soon reeling at 43 for 9 by the close of play. The next morning, West Indies managed only 10 more runs, ending with 53 all out – their lowest Test total until Australia bowled them out for 51 in Trinidad over a decade later. 

The score remains the lowest total ever recorded by a team in Pakistan, a record symbolizing Pakistan’s incredible performance in that match. The loss was a rare one for the West Indies in the 1980s, an era in which they were nearly invincible, suffering only eight defeats in 82 matches. But on that fateful day in Faisalabad, Pakistan’s spinners, particularly Qadir, exploited the conditions perfectly, handing the West Indies one of their most unforgettable collapses in Test history.

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