Anil Kumble’s Historic 10-Wicket Haul: A Masterclass in Spin Bowling
On February 7, 1999, at the iconic Feroz Shah Kotla Ground in Delhi, Indian spin legend Anil Kumble etched his name into cricket history with an unforgettable 10-wicket haul against arch-rivals Pakistan. The match, the second Test of the series, witnessed one of the most remarkable spells of spin bowling the game has ever seen.
Chasing a daunting target of 420 runs, Pakistan’s openers, Shahid Afridi and Saeed Anwar, provided a solid start. However, the introduction of Kumble into the attack proved to be a game-changer. With his trademark accuracy and subtle variations, Kumble began to weave his magic on the pitch, which offered some assistance.
Afridi was the first to fall, trapped lbw by Kumble’s guile. From there, it was a one-man show as the Pakistani batsmen succumbed one by one to Kumble’s spin mastery. Each delivery seemed to carry a hint of menace, with Kumble extracting extra bounce and sharp turn. His ability to outthink the batsmen was evident as he trapped them either lbw or got them caught behind.
As Kumble took his ninth wicket, the tension was palpable. He was on the verge of achieving something only one bowler before him, England’s Jim Laker, had done – take all ten wickets in an innings. And in the most fitting conclusion, Kumble dismissed Wasim Akram to complete his perfect 10 for 74, leading India to a massive victory.
Kumble’s feat cemented his legacy as one of the greatest spin bowlers in cricket. His 10-wicket haul remains a testament to his skill, determination, and the magic of spin bowling at its finest. It is a moment that will forever be etched in the annals of cricket history, inspiring generations of bowlers to come.
