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Kumble’s Perfect 10! On This Day Anil Kumble Register His 10-Wicket Haul In 1999

Poulomi Chakraborty

Anil Kumble's Incredible 10-Wicket Haul In 1999 (Source: @BCCI/x.com)Anil Kumble's Incredible 10-Wicket Haul In 1999 (Source: @BCCI/x.com)

Over the years, Indian cricket has produced several legendary bowlers who dominated the cricket world with their bowling brilliance. Ace leg spinner Anil Kumble stands tall among all of them. In his glorious career, the iconic 10-wicket haul against Pakistan in 1999 added an extra flavor to cricket’s biggest rivalry.

On February 7, 1999, Delhi’s Feroz Shah Kotla witnessed the prime Kumble action. The legendary leg-spinner single-handedly dismantled Pakistan’s batting lineup, claiming all 10 wickets in the second innings. Even 26 years later, that magical performance remains vivid in the hearts of cricket fans.

How Kumble Dismantled Pakistan’s Lineup With A 10-Wicket Haul?

In the second match of the Asian Test Championship, Team India met Pakistan at the Feroz Shah Kotla in the second Test match of the series. After losing the first Test match of the series, Team India was under pressure, but the second Test match between these two rivals became historic with Kumble’s outstanding bowling performance.

After Team India put on 339/10 in the second innings, the visitors had a nightmare outing as Anil Kumble single-handedly destroyed Pakistan’s entire lineup. He sacred his first scalp after sending Shahid Afridi back in 41 runs. He struck a second wicket after dismissing Ijaz Ahmed on a duck.

The real damage began when he dismissed Inzamam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Yousuf in the same over, tightening India’s grip. With wickets tumbling in quick succession, the ‘Men in Green’ found themselves in deep trouble, trapped in Kumble’s web of brilliance.

Despite a gritty half-century at the top, Saeed Anwar couldn’t escape Anil Kumble’s rampage, falling for 69. Saleem Malik also walked away in an incredible delivery by Kumble. Mushtaq Ahmed and Saqlin Mushtaq’s twin dismissals in the same over ended every hope of the visitors. Kumble sealed his historic 10-wicket haul by dismissing Wasim Akram for 37, completing a spell that remains one of cricket’s most unforgettable performances.



Team India Leveled Up The Series With A Stunning Victory

After losing the first Test match of the series, Team India entered into the second, aiming for a win to level up the series. Anil Kumble’s brilliant performance paved the way to secure the victory. While batting first, Team India posted a total of 252 runs. Sadagoppan Ramesh played a crucial innings of 60 runs and VVS Laxman added crucial 37 runs.

India’s bowlers made full use of the Kotla pitch in the first innings, with Anil Kumble grabbing a brilliant 4-wicket haul and Harbhajan Singh chipping in with three to bundle Pakistan out for just 172. In the second innings, Indian opener Sadagoppan Ramesh missed his well-deserved century just by four runs, and Ganguly played a crucial unbeaten innings of 62 runs in 127 balls.

The second innings was a nightmare for the Pakistani side. In front of Kumble’s brilliance, the entire lineup faced away. Saeed Anwar led the way with a crucial knock of 69 runs in 128 balls, and Shahid Afridi added 41 runs. But the other batters failed to make an impact and Team India registered a massive 212-run victory.