In January 1987, an 18-member Pakistan squad, led by the enigmatic Imran Khan, arrived in India for a five-Test and six-ODI series. The backdrop was one of political tension and cricketing monotony—the previous series between the two nations had ended in dull, lifeless draws. This time, however, something different was in the air.
Pakistan’s cricketing landscape had been turbulent. Imran, who had first assumed captaincy in 1982, stepped down in 1984 due to a stress fracture that refused to heal. He returned to the side in 1985 under Javed Miandad’s leadership before reclaiming the captaincy in 1986. While his second stint had not been as dazzling as his first, the team remained competitive. Yet, as the squad landed in India, Imran found himself under immense pressure—not just from the formidable challenge of an away series against India, but also from an off-field controversy that threatened to unravel the team’s unity.
Middle-order batsman Qasim Umar, dropped from the squad, had made explosive allegations, accusing Imran and his teammates of drug use and debauchery. The Pakistan Cricket Board swiftly imposed a life ban on Umar, eager to avoid controversy ahead of the 1987 World Cup, which Pakistan was set to co-host. But the whispers lingered, adding to the weight on Imran’s shoulders as he prepared for battle on Indian soil.
A Series of Stalemates and a Brewing Storm
The first four Tests unfolded in the frustratingly familiar fashion—dull, attritional cricket on lifeless tracks that refused to yield a result. Imran and his Indian counterpart, Kapil Dev, blamed each other for defensive tactics, while the Indian media lambasted both sides for their lack of ambition. The crowd, packed into the stadiums with the hope of witnessing a spectacle, grew restless. By the fourth Test in Ahmedabad, the discontent boiled over into outright hostility. Imran twice led his players off the field as spectators pelted them with stones, pebbles, and rotten fruit.
Then came Bangalore.
The final Test promised a different narrative, and the pitch itself hinted at a shift in fortunes. Unlike the flat, lifeless surfaces that had defined the series, the wicket at Bangalore was red, dusty, and under-prepared. Both captains believed it would be a good batting surface initially, before breaking down in the later stages. Imran, sensing an opportunity, elected to bat first after winning the toss.
The Dust Bowl Unleashes Its Fury
From the outset, it became clear that the pitch was a minefield. Kapil Dev removed Pakistan’s openers, Ramiz Raja and Rizwan-ul-Haq, early, but the real menace came from India’s left-arm spinner, Maninder Singh. His very first ball turned viciously, setting the tone for what was to follow. The Pakistani batsmen, expecting the surface to settle, instead found themselves ensnared in a web of unpredictable spin.
Pakistan crumbled for 116. Only Salim Malik, with a gritty 33, offered resistance. Tail-enders Iqbal Qasim and Tauseef Ahmed added 24 crucial runs for the eighth wicket, preventing complete humiliation. Maninder Singh was unplayable, finishing with seven wickets.
India, in response, seemed to be batting on a different pitch altogether. By stumps on day one, they had reached 68 for 2, comfortably ahead. But as day two dawned, the Pakistani spinners began to decipher the wicket’s secrets. Qasim and Tauseef, both largely overlooked throughout the series, turned tormentors, ripping through India’s batting lineup. From a position of strength, India collapsed to 145 all out, with Qasim and Tauseef claiming five wickets each. The lead of 29 seemed modest, but on this pitch, every run was gold dust.
A Battle of Attrition
With the match finely poised, Imran and Miandad reshuffled the batting order. Miandad, Pakistan’s best player of spin, was promoted to open alongside Ramiz. The plan seemed to be working as the pair cautiously pushed the score forward. But India’s spinners, particularly Ravi Shastri and Shivlal Yadav, were relentless. Wickets fell at regular intervals, and Pakistan found themselves precariously placed at 121 for 4.
The decision to send in Iqbal Qasim at number four—an unconventional move—proved shrewd. The left-hander played a crucial innings of 26, frustrating the Indian bowlers and adding valuable runs with Salim Malik. At the end of day two, Pakistan were 155 for 5, effectively 126 ahead.
Day three saw a determined rearguard action from Pakistan’s lower order. Imran compiled a patient 39, but it was wicketkeeper Salim Yousuf’s fighting 41 that pushed the lead beyond 200. Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 249, setting India a target of 220.
Was it enough?
The Final Stand
Wasim Akram, still in the early years of his career, ignited Pakistan’s hopes with a fiery spell, removing two early wickets. But Gavaskar, ever the anchor, steadied the ship alongside Vengsarkar. As the Indian total crept past 80, Pakistan needed a breakthrough. Tauseef provided it, dismissing Vengsarkar. By the end of day three, India were 99 for 4, needing just 121 with six wickets in hand. The game was in the balance.
Day four dawned with tension thick in the air. Gavaskar and Azharuddin looked comfortable, nudging India closer. Then, in a moment of brilliance, Qasim produced a stunning caught-and-bowled to remove Azhar. India were 123 for 5.
The match see-sawed as Gavaskar continued his masterclass. Shastri dug in, and the target dwindled. But Qasim struck again, removing Shastri with another caught-and-bowled. When Kapil Dev fell soon after, India were 180 for 7.
Gavaskar, still standing firm at 96, seemed destined to take India home. But fate had other plans. Qasim, bowling from the rough, produced a delivery that leapt off the dust, taking the shoulder of Gavaskar’s bat. Rizwan-ul-Haq at slip pounced, and Pakistan erupted in celebration. The Little Master was gone.
With India still needing 35, Binny and Maninder inched forward. Binny, sensing an opportunity, smashed Tauseef for a towering six. Just 16 more to win. But Pakistan held their nerve. Imran, fielders closing in, refused to allow easy singles. Binny, attempting another big shot, edged one behind. Salim Yousaf took a sharp catch.
Pakistan had done it. Their first Test victory on Indian soil since 1952. Their first-ever series win in India.
A Legacy Cemented
The Bangalore Test was more than just a victory—it was a defining moment in Pakistan’s cricketing history. It showcased resilience, tactical acumen, and the sheer will to win against the odds. Iqbal Qasim and Tauseef Ahmed, unsung heroes before the match, etched their names into folklore. Imran, despite initial miscalculations, had once again led Pakistan to glory.
For India, the heartbreak was palpable. Gavaskar’s masterful 96 went in vain, a cruel twist in what could have been his finest hour. The Bangalore pitch, unpredictable and treacherous, had produced one of the most thrilling Tests ever played between the two arch-rivals.
Even three decades later, this match remains a testament to the beauty of Test cricket—where skill, patience, and courage triumph over adversity.
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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