OTD: The most one-sided match in cricket history – Railways smashed Dera Ismail Khan in 1964

On December 4, 1964, cricket witnessed what is widely considered the most one-sided first-class match ever played. In Pakistan’s Ayub Trophy, Pakistan Railways utterly overwhelmed Dera Ismail Khan, who were playing their first-ever first-class match. The result was a staggering victory by an innings and 851 runs, a margin that remains unmatched in cricket history.

The match began on December 2 at the Railways Moghalpura Institute Ground in Lahore, with Pakistan Railways electing to bat. From the outset, the Railways batters dominated, piling on runs without mercy. Openers Ijaz Hussain and Javed Babar put on a massive 244-run stand and remained unbeaten at stumps on Day 1 with the score at an imposing 415/2. Hussain scored 124, while Babar crafted a superb 200.

The star of the innings, however, was Pervez Akhtar, who hammered an unbeaten 337, smashing 35 fours along the way. His marathon knock became the third-highest individual score in Pakistan’s first-class cricket at the time. Mohammad Sharif added an unbeaten 106 as Pakistan Railways continued their run-fest on the second day.

By the time they declared at 910/6, the Dera Ismail Khan bowlers had been completely worn down. Anwar Khan, who bowled tirelessly, returned figures of 3/295, an indicator of how punishing the innings was.

After spending more than two days in the field, Dera Ismail Khan’s batting collapsed dramatically. They were bowled out for 32 runs in 15.3 overs in their first innings, with Afaq Khan running through the lineup to claim 7/14. Their second innings was just as shocking as they managed just 27 runs, with Ahad Khan delivering an extraordinary spell of 9/7 in 6.3 overs.

Dera Ismail Khan aggregated just 59 runs in the match, the lowest match total by any team in Pakistan’s first-class history. Pakistan Railways’ victory margin of an innings and 851 runs remain untouched even today, standing as a historic reminder of the most one-sided encounter the sport has ever seen.

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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