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Zaheer Abbas Scored Majestic 240 Against England at The Oval On This Day 50 Years Ago

Zaheer Abbas played a stunning knock of 240 vs England in 1974 (X)Zaheer Abbas played a stunning knock of 240 vs England in 1974 (X)

On August 23, 1974, exactly 50 years ago, former Pakistan batsman, Zaheer Abbas, known for his stylish and effortless stroke play, scripted history at The Oval with a magnificent double century against England.

His innings of 240, filled with 22 boundaries, remains one of the most celebrated knocks in the history of Pakistan cricket.

OTD 50 years ago: Zaheer Abbas’ iconic 240 lit up The Oval 

After electing to bat first, Pakistan’s innings began with a steady 66-run opening partnership between Sadiq Mohammad and Majid Khan.

However, the real star of the show was Zaheer Abbas, who walked in at No. 3 and took command of the situation. From the word go, Abbas looked like a man on a mission, as he began to thread the needle with his impeccable stroke play.

Majid Khan’s well-compiled 98 provided the perfect foil for Abbas, who unfurled a dazzling array of shots that had the English bowlers scratching their heads. 

Whether it was the crisp cover drives or the delicate late cuts, the Asian Bradman was batting on a different plane, with the ball finding the boundary ropes with alarming regularity.

His innings of 240 came off 410 balls and included 22 boundaries, reflecting both his endurance and flair. As he piled on the runs, the England bowlers, including the likes of Bob Willis and Derek Underwood, were left searching for answers, as Abbas made batting look as easy as pie.


With Abbas leading the charge, Pakistan declared their first innings at an imposing 600 for 7. His innings was supported by Mushtaq Mohammad, who chipped in with a gritty 76, and Majid Khan’s near-century.

In reply, England’s innings was anchored by Dennis Amiss, who played an equally magnificent knock of 183 off 372 balls. He found an able partner in Keith Fletcher, who contributed a stoic 122, ensuring England did not crumble under the pressure.

However, despite Amiss and Fletcher’s best efforts, England fell short of Pakistan’s total, eventually bowling out for 545. Pakistan captain Intikhab Alam was the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan, claiming 5 wickets for 116 runs, while the rest of the attack chipped in with vital breakthroughs.

With a narrow lead of 55 runs, Pakistan opted to bat again but found themselves in hot water quickly. Geoff Arnold and Chris Old made early inroads, reducing Pakistan to 94 for 4 in their second innings.

The prospect of a collapse loomed large, but Wasim Raja and Imran Khan held their nerve to see Pakistan through to the end of the day, ensuring the match ended in a draw.