Relive one of the most memorable spells in the history of Test cricket as Saqlain Mushtaq turned up the magic in the 1st Test against South Africa in Rawalpindi, October 1997. The match may have ended in a draw, but Saqlain’s bowling was nothing short of a masterclass in patience, temperament, and the pure art of off-spin.
Bowling a mammoth 62 overs, Saqlain picked up 5 wickets for 129 runs, dismantling some of South Africa’s finest batters including Gary Kirsten, Adam Bacher, Jacques Kallis, Daryll Cullinan, and Brian McMillan. Each dismissal was a testament to his deceptive flight, sharp turn, and legendary doosra.
Adding to the occasion, the final day witnessed a historic moment as Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh visited the ground during Pakistan’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations, greeted by a crowd of 15,000 spectators—the largest the venue had ever seen.
This spell not only reflected Saqlain’s endurance and control but also marked a golden chapter in Pakistan’s cricketing folklore. Witness the grit, the spin, and the brilliance of a true magician at work!
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