Pakistan’s previous Tests in Kolkata by Arshad Chughtai

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Ground:	Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Scorecard:	India v Pakistan
Event:	Pakistan in India 2004/05

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DateLine: 15th March 2005

 

The 2nd match of the current Test series between Pakistan and India starts in Kolkata on 16th March 2005 after the first Test ended in a draw. Before the upcoming match, Pakistan had played 5 Tests at Eden Gardens, Kolkata (1952-53, 1960-61, 1979-80, 1987 and 1999). Out of these, Pakistan won in 1999 and the remaining four were drawn. Eden Gardens is considered one of the biggest cricket grounds in the world with a capacity of about 100,000 spectators. Below is a brief review of previous matches played by Pakistan at this ground.

 

1952-53
It was the fifth match of Pakistan's inaugural series. The four-day match produced scores for Pakistan of 257 & 236 for 7 declared and for India, 397 & 28-0. Depak Shodhan scored 110 on debut and for Pakistan Waqar Hasan (97) narrowly missed a ton. Others to score 50's were Nazar Mohammad (55), Hanif Mohammad (56), Imtiaz Ahmed (57) and DG Phadkar (57) who also claimed 5/72.

 

1960-61
This was the last Test in which Pakistan's legendary fast bowler, Fazal Mahmood took 5 wickets in an innings (5/26). In a rain shortened match, Pakistan set India 267 to win in 180 minutes but it was a tall order and the match petered out into a draw. Hanif Mohammad scored (56 & 63), Mushtaq Mohammad (61) and Intikhab Alam (56). Scores: Pakistan 301 & 146-3; India 180 & 127-4.

 

1979-80
The Kolkata game was the 6th match of that series. Imran Khan and Etheshamuddin claimed 4 wickets each and India scored 331 in the first innings. Pakistan declared at 272-4 in a bid to force a result. India were 92/6 at one stage in their reply but later staged a recovery to reach 205. Left to score 265 in 280 minutes two crucial run outs of Asif Iqbal & Wasim Hasan Raja foiled their attempt and they drew down shutters but in the end had to struggle to save the match.

 

1987
It was second Test of the series. Sunil Gavaskar missed the Test and interrupted his world record run of 106 consecutive Tests. Mohammad Azharuddin notched-up 141 as India accumulated 403 in the first innings. Roger Binney claimed 6/56 and Pakistan were dismissed for 229. India declared their second innings at 181 for 3 but Pakistan succeeded in drawing the match having reached 179 for 5 by close of play.

 

1999
It was the first match of the Asian Test Championships. Javagal Sirinath took 13 wickets for 131 in the match but the decisive factor was Saeed Anwar's 188 to carry his bat in Pakistan's second innings of 316. Earlier, Pakistan had made 185 and India 223 in the first innings. Shoaib Akhtar claimed 4/47 and India fell 46 runs short of the target. Notable failures were Sachin Tendulkar (0 & 9) and Rahul Dravid (24 & 13). Shoaib had also grabbed 4 wickets in the first innings.

 

Summary of Results: 1952-53 (drawn), 1960-61(drawn), 1979-80 (drawn), 1987 (drawn), 1999* (won)

 

*Asian Test Championship match.

(Article: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author only.
Copyright © 2005 smyaserrafique@yahoo.com)