Anil Kumble’s achievement of taking 10 wickets in a single innings during the India vs. Pakistan Test series in 1999 at Feroz Shah Kotla Ground (now Arun Jaitley Stadium), Delhi, remains one of the most iconic moments in cricket history. This historic performance not only solidified Kumble’s place as one of India’s greatest bowlers but also made him the second bowler in history to take all ten wickets in a Test innings.
The match between India and Pakistan in 1999 was a highly anticipated encounter, given the intense rivalry between the two teams.
This particular Test match was a thrilling contest, but it became especially memorable for Anil Kumble’s stunning individual performance.
Kumble’s spell played a crucial role in India’s victory, as it was instrumental in Pakistan being bowled out for just 172 runs in their second innings, chasing down a target set by India.
Kumble’s Bowling Performance: In the second innings, Anil Kumble produced a match-winning spell, capturing 10 wickets for 74 runs.
This 10-wicket haul is not only remarkable for the sheer number of wickets but also for the fact that it was achieved in a single innings of a Test match, making Kumble the first Indian and only the second bowler in Test history to take all 10 wickets in an innings.
Record Achievement: Jim Laker of England was the first player to take all 10 wickets in a Test innings, achieving this feat in 1956 against Australia. Kumble joined him in this elite group with his historic performance against Pakistan.
10 wickets for 74 runs: Kumble’s exceptional bowling figures in this innings are extraordinary, as he bowled 26.3 overs, which is quite a feat in itself for a leg-spinner.
His figures of 10/74 remain one of the most remarkable individual performances in the history of Test cricket, particularly in an era where batting was becoming increasingly dominant.
Pakistan’s Collapse: Kumble’s sensational spell was pivotal in India’s comprehensive victory. The Pakistani batsmen struggled to handle his variations, and Kumble’s relentless accuracy and bounce saw the Pakistani team crumble to a low total.
India’s Victory: India won the match by 212 runs, and Kumble’s bowling was the main factor in Pakistan’s second-innings collapse. His 10 wickets helped India gain a significant advantage and wrap up the match efficiently.
Personal Milestone: This achievement remains the crowning moment of Anil Kumble’s career. Kumble was known for his ability to bowl with tremendous control, variations, and intelligence, and this performance against Pakistan highlighted his status as one of the greatest spinners in the world.
International Recognition: Kumble’s ten-wicket haul was widely celebrated, and it brought him international acclaim as one of the finest bowlers in the history of cricket.
India’s First: Kumble became the first Indian bowler to take all 10 wickets in an innings, a record that stood as a testament to his skill and persistence. His achievement was met with widespread admiration, and he was celebrated not only in India but globally for his skill and consistency.
Significance in Cricket History: Kumble’s achievement became a part of cricketing history as one of the rarest feats in the game. He joined Jim Laker in an exclusive club, with only a few other bowlers managing such feats.
10-Wicket Hauls: Kumble is one of the most successful bowlers in Test cricket history, with 619 wickets in 132 Test matches. His ability to deliver match-winning performances over a sustained period made him India’s leading bowler for almost two decades.
Captaincy and Leadership: Kumble also captained India for a period, and his leadership was highly respected, particularly during challenging times. His calm demeanor, sharp cricketing mind, and focus made him a valuable asset to Indian cricket.
Reaction: Kumble’s achievement was celebrated by both Indian fans and players. Fellow cricketers, commentators, and the cricketing world hailed his performance as one of the finest displays of bowling ever.
Test Cricket History: To this day, Kumble’s 10-wicket haul remains one of the most iconic performances in Test cricket. It continues to be a point of reference for discussions on the greatest individual bowling performances in history.
Anil Kumble’s 10-wicket haul for 74 runs against Pakistan in Delhi during the 1998-99 Test series is a feat that will always be remembered as one of the greatest individual performances in the history of Test cricket. It not only showcased his extraordinary bowling skill but also highlighted his ability to perform on the biggest stage against the toughest opponents. Kumble’s legacy as a bowler and a cricketing legend is firmly cemented by this remarkable achievement, making him one of India’s most celebrated cricketers.
