OTD | Saqlain Mushtaq picked up a World Cup hat trick against Zimbabwe in 1999

On this day, back in 1999, Pakistani star cricketer Saqlain Mushtaq picked up his first World Cup hat trick and guided his side to a terrific win against Zimbabwe. Notably, Mushtaq played a great role in guiding his side towards the final of the marquee event, even though they were totally outclassed by the Australian team that lifted the 1999 Cricket World Cup title. The great bowler had removed Henry Olonga, Adam Huckle, and Pomie Mbangwa and guided the Green Army to win the seventh game of the marquee event, which was played at the Oval in London.

Speaking about the game here, it was Pakistan captain Wasim Akram who had won the toss and invited the Zimbabwe camp to field first in the game. Notably, after being elected to bat first in the game, the Pakistani side made 271/9 in the given 50 overs. Star opening batter Saeed Anwar made 103 runs from 144 balls, including 11 fours, which gave them a great start. Following them, Wasti made 40 runs from 42 balls. In addition, Ijaz Ahmed made 5 runs, while Inzaman-ul-Haq made 21 runs.

However, skipper Wasim Akram departed for a duck, while wicketkeeper Moin Khan made 13 runs. Star All-Rounder hammered 37 runs from 29 balls, featuring one four and two sixes, while Saqlain Mushtaq made 17 runs, which helped them post 271/9 in the given 20 overs.

However, during the chase, Neil Johnson made 54 runs from five fours, while Grant Flower was out for just two runs. In addition, Murray Goodwin made four runs, while wicketkeeper Andy Murray was also out for just four runs. Skipper Campbell was out for just three runs. While Guy Whittall and Heath Streak made 16 runs each, which made them bundled out for just 123 runs, Wasim Akram led Pakistan to win the game by 148 runs.

Also read: OTD in 1986: India secured their first Test win