OTD | Irfan Pathan grabbed a hat-trick in the very first over of the Test match against Pakistan in 2006 

Irfan Pathan etched his name in the history books on January 29, 2006, when he claimed a hattrick against the arch-rivals Pakistan in Test matches in their own backyard. The first two games in the series ended in a draw, and the last game inclined more towards Pakistan due to the pitch conditions. 

It was a green pitch for the Pakistan bowlers. However, their strategy went against them as Irfan Pathan sent back three players in three consecutive balls, putting the team under pressure. The cherry on the cake was the wickets came in the first over of the game. On winning the toss, India’s skipper Rahul Dravid chose to bowl first and confidently handed the ball to Irfan Pathan. It was a strategic move by the captain, only to frighten the opponents. 

However, the trick worked, and they lost three quick wickets in no time. The first wicket was opener Salman Butt who was dismissed on the fourth ball of the first over. The player edged the ball as it was going out. After his wicket, Younis Khan walked in at No.3 for Pakistan, and he was trapped right in front of a delivery that came back sharply. 

Pakistan’s one of the finest batters, Mohammed Yousuf came in to bat, facing the hattrick ball. It was a trick ball as it pitched around off and tailed back in to sneak through the gap between the right-hander’s bat and pad and hit the top of the middle stump. The team was extremely happy with the bowling performance and the fact that the Pakistan team looked weak in their own home ground. However, the hosts made a stunning recovery and won the game by 341 runs. 

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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