On This Day: Anil Kumble’s 10-wicket masterclass seals victory against Pakistan

Anil Kumble. (Photo Source: X(Twitter)

February 7th, 1999 witnessed a historic chapter in cricket as the legendary Indian spinner, Anil Kumble carved his name into the history of the sport’s lore. In a riveting showdown against Pakistan at Delhi’s Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium (now Arun Jaitley Stadium), Kumble delivered a masterclass performance, clinching 10 wickets in a single Test innings.

Facing arch-rivals Pakistan, Kumble’s mesmerising display of accuracy and control left the opposition in tatters. He weaved his magic through the Pakistan batting order, bowling with precision and economy, conceding just 74 runs in 26.3 overs with 9 maidens. His stellar performance propelled India to a resounding 212-run victory.

The match unfolded with India electing to bat first and posting a modest 252, bolstered by fifties from Sadagoppan Ramesh and Mohammad Azharuddin. Pakistan’s response faltered as they were bundled out for 172, conceding an 80-run lead to India. Ramesh continued his fine form in the second innings, scoring 96 to set Pakistan a challenging target of 419.

Here’s Anil Kumble running through the Pakistan batting line-up

Pakistan’s openers, Shahid Afridi and Saeed Anwar, provided a promising start, stitching a century partnership. However, the right-arm leg spinner intervened, breaking the partnership by dismissing Afridi for 41 and Ijaz Ahmed for a duck in successive deliveries, igniting hopes of a hat-trick.

Kumble bagged remaining 9 wickets for just 106 runs

Although the hat trick eluded him, Kumble’s relentless pursuit of wickets continued. In a spellbinding sequence, he claimed the prized scalps of Inzamam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Yousuf in quick succession, reducing Pakistan to 115 for 4. The Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium buzzed with anticipation as the Karnataka spinner tore through the opposition.

A dramatic collapse ensued as Kumble weaved his magic, dismantling the Pakistani batting lineup with aplomb. His exceptional spell of taking the remaining nine wickets for just 106 runs sealed India’s victory and registered his name in cricketing history. Prior to Kumble, only England‘s Jim Laker had achieved the remarkable feat of 10 wickets in an innings, back in 1956. However, Kumble stood as the lone Indian in this elite club for over two decades, New Zealand’s Ajaz Patel joined the ranks in 2021.