In an extraordinary feat of precision and skill, India bowled 187.5 overs without conceding any extras in a Test match against Pakistan on 29-30 January 1955. The match, held at Lawrence Gardens in Lahore, Pakistan, saw India’s bowlers maintain an immaculate record, with no no-balls, wides, byes, or leg byes throughout Pakistan’s first innings of 328 all out.
The remarkable achievement was made possible by the unrelenting efforts of India’s spin trio: Subhash Gupte, who bowled 73.5 overs; Ghulam Ahmed, who contributed 46 overs; and Vinoo Mankad, with 44 overs. Together, they took eight of Pakistan’s wickets, with the remaining two wickets falling via run-outs.
This historic innings is still celebrated as one of the most exceptional displays of bowling discipline in Test cricket history, a record that would stand for several decades. The match also showcased Pakistan’s highest team score without any extras until India surpassed it with a score of 329 in their second Test against England in Chennai, India, in February 2021.
