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Abdul Qadir came up with an epic performance against the West Indies in the Faisalabad Test and claimed six wickets in the second innings of that match.
Abdul Qadir in action during the second innings of a Test against Pakistan on October 28, 1986. (Image: ICC/X, formerly Twitter)
One of the most skillful leg-spinners of Pakistan, Abdul Qadir was a mystery that very few batters could solve. Born in Lahore, Pakistan, Qadir went on to feature in 67 Tests and 104 ODIs. Thanks to his unique run-up and genuine ability to spin the ball at will, Qadir bagged more than 350 wickets in international cricket.
Qadir was last seen in action for Pakistan in November 1993 against Sri Lanka. On this day (October 28) in 1986, Qadir came up with an epic performance against the West Indies in Faisalabad. His six-wicket haul in the second innings of that Test guided Pakistan to a memorable win against the Caribbean unit.
Riding on skipper Imran Khan’s valiant half-century, Pakistan posted 159 in the first innings. For West Indies, Tony Gray was the best bowler in the first innings as he claimed four wickets. West Indies, in response, exhibited resilient batting and posted a solid total of 248. While Abdul Qadir claimed one wicket, it was Wasim Akram who did the most of the damage. Akram registered superb figures of 6/91 in the first innings.
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Pakistan came out with renewed vigour in the second innings and seemed determined to put up a mammoth total. Wicketkeeper Saleem Yousuf and Wasim Akram scored a half-century each to lead the hosts’ fightback. While Yousuf scored 61 runs off 137 balls, Akram returned to the dressing room producing a much-important knock of 66 off 82 deliveries.
West Indies came down to bat with a target of 240 to chase. While the target might have appeared to be achievable, the Pakistan bowling unit had some other plans. Skipper Imran Khan kickstarted Pakistan’s defense on a promising note dismissing the two opposition openers – Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes – in quick succession.
Then it was the Abdul Qadir show. Qadir ran through the West Indies’ batting order. He went on to claim six wickets conceding 16 runs in his 9.3 overs. Imran Khan also proved to be deadly as he bagged four wickets.
Thanks to Imran and Qadir’s lethal combination, West Indies skittled for 53 runs in the second innings of the Faisalabad Test. Wasim Akram was adjudged Player of the Match for his supreme all-round abilities.
