OTD – Pakistan registered their maiden Test victory by defeating India in Lucknow in 1952

On this day in 1952, in a landmark victory, the Pakistan national cricket team secured its first-ever Test match win on October 26. The historic triumph came at the University Ground in Lucknow, during the second match of a five-game series against their arch-rivals, India. Led by the seasoned 37-year-old Abdul Hafeez Kardar, the young Pakistan squad showcased their potential and resilience on the international stage, marking the beginning of a storied cricketing legacy for the nation.

In their inaugural Test series, the Pakistan team faced a significant challenge, confronting the very nation from which they had emerged only five years ago. However, the team rose to the occasion, demonstrating a formidable display of skill and determination.

The defining moment of the match came through the exceptional performances of Pakistan’s fast-bowling duo, Fazal Mahmood and Mahmood Hussain. In a stunning display of precision and power, they dismantled the Indian batting lineup, limiting their opponents to a meager total of 106 runs in the first inning. Fazal Mahmood’s exceptional five-wicket haul, coupled with Mahmood Hussain’s three crucial dismissals, set the stage for Pakistan’s remarkable success.

Pakistan’s formidable batting performance shocked the hosts in Lucknow:

The batting prowess of opener Nazar Mohammad further solidified Pakistan’s dominance, as he valiantly notched an impressive 124 runs in an eight-hour and thirty-five-minute-long innings. His resilient performance helped Pakistan post a commanding total of 334 runs, creating an insurmountable lead over the Indian team.

Mahmood, once again with his relentless pace and precision, continued to be the linchpin of Pakistan’s victory, claiming seven additional wickets during India’s second innings. His stellar performance culminated in remarkable figures of 12 for 92, cementing his status as a national cricketing icon for Pakistan.

Despite the valiant efforts of Indian skipper Lala Amarnath, who managed a defiant unbeaten 61, India ultimately succumbed to the dominant display of skill and strategy exhibited by the resolute Pakistani squad. However, India eventually clinched the series by 2-1, while Pakistan’s triumph in this pivotal Test match marked a significant turning point in their journey towards international cricketing prominence.

With a formidable lineup comprising players such as Nazar Mohammad, Hanif Mohammad, and Fazal Mahmood, Pakistan had laid the foundation for a storied legacy that would shape the future of cricket in the country. This historic victory would remain etched in the annals of Pakistan’s cricketing history as a testament to their resilience and prowess on the international stage.

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