In the autumn of 1986, the West Indies—a cricketing colossus that had dominated the sport for over a decade—arrived in Pakistan with the swagger of champions. Under the iconic leadership of Viv Richards, the Caribbean side was fresh off back-to-back demolitions of England, enforcing Blackwashes at home and abroad. Their fearsome batting, defined by explosive power-hitting long before the term "Bazball" existed, combined with an army of ruthless fast bowlers, made them the most feared team in world cricket.
Facing them was Pakistan, a team in transition but eager to
restore its reputation. With the enigmatic Imran Khan at the helm and the wily
Javed Miandad in the middle order, Pakistan carried a mix of youthful
exuberance and veteran wisdom. Though talented, Pakistan’s squad was largely
untested against a team of West Indies’ calibre. Few gave them a chance. Their
loss in the ODI series by 4-1—where Richards blazed 86 off just 39 balls in one
match—was a grim prelude. A whitewash in the Test series seemed almost
inevitable.
The series opened at Faisalabad, on a pitch known for its
variable bounce that would only deteriorate as the game progressed. Imran Khan
won the toss and opted to bat, a bold move that seemed to backfire as
Pakistan’s top order crumbled under West Indies' pressure. At 37 for five,
Pakistan’s worst fears appeared to be coming true. Joel Garner and Michael
Holding were unavailable, but Tony Gray, a young fast bowler, seized his chance
with a four-wicket haul, dismantling the Pakistani batting lineup. Imran’s
gritty 61 helped his side limp to 159, with Salim Malik retiring hurt after
suffering a broken arm—an early sign of the physical toll this series would
demand.
A Rare Collapse from
the Mighty West Indies
However, something unexpected occurred. West Indies, a side
known for bulldozing opponents with ruthless efficiency, faltered. Richards,
troubled by a stomach issue after indulging in some ill-advised Chinese food,
was a shadow of his usual self. Pakistan’s bowling, led by the mercurial Tauseef
Ahmed, responded brilliantly. Tauseef spun a web around the West Indian
batsmen, removing Richie Richardson and Jeff Dujon with consecutive deliveries.
As Wasim Akram cleaned up the tail, West Indies were bowled out for 136, giving
Pakistan a slender lead of 23 runs.
What followed was an uncharacteristic fightback from
Pakistan. They showed grit and resolve on the third day, with nightwatchman
Salim Yousuf grinding out a maiden Test fifty. Mohsin Khan and Javed Miandad
offered further resistance, though runs were hard to come by. Wasim Akram,
still in the early stages of his career, produced a crucial innings, launching
sixes off Malcolm Marshall and Patrick Patterson in an audacious display of
counterattack. Even the injured Salim Malik returned to bat with a plastered
arm, adding 14 invaluable deliveries to Pakistan’s cause. Pakistan set the West
Indies a challenging target of 240 runs, with four sessions remaining.
Qadir's Wizardry and
the Humbling of Giants
West Indies, known for chasing down targets with ease, were
expected to make light work of the chase. But the fourth innings turned into a
nightmare. Abdul Qadir, Pakistan’s master leg-spinner, unleashed a spell of
bowling brilliance that dismantled the formidable West Indian lineup.
Desmond Haynes and Gordon Greenidge, the bedrock of West
Indies’ batting, were trapped leg-before early. Richards, the kingpin, was gone
for a duck on the second ball, a rare sight that stunned fans and players
alike. Dujon, Harper, and Richardson followed in quick succession, as Qadir
spun the ball like a magician casting spells. Wasim Akram, showing maturity
beyond his years, struck at the other end, removing the lower order with
precision. West Indies slumped to 43 for nine by the end of the day.
The next morning, Qadir completed his masterpiece by
removing Marshall with a sharp return catch, finishing with figures of six for
16. West Indies were bowled out for 53—still their lowest Test total in
Pakistan, a nadir in their otherwise illustrious history. Out of the 80 Tests
the West Indies played during the 1980s, this was only their eighth loss—a
testament to the magnitude of Pakistan’s achievement.
A Glorious Victory
Amidst a Legendary Rivalry
The victory at Faisalabad was more than just a win for
Pakistan; it was a statement. It showcased their ability to challenge the best
in the world and marked the emergence of Wasim Akram as a force to be reckoned
with. His all-round performance earned him the Man-of-the-Match award, a
fitting accolade for a star in the making.
West Indies, wounded but unbowed, responded with a victory
in the second Test to level the series. The third Test ended in a thrilling
draw, leaving the series undecided—a fitting outcome for a rivalry that would
produce some of the most captivating cricket over the years. Two years later,
these two sides clashed again in one of the greatest series ever played. Even
in 1990, the battles between Pakistan and West Indies remained the pinnacle of
Test cricket, thrilling fans across the globe.
But the golden age of both teams would eventually fade, and with it, the intensity of this storied rivalry. Yet, the memory of Faisalabad in 1986—when Pakistan humbled the invincible West Indies—remains etched in cricketing folklore. It was a victory born from courage, discipline, and a touch of brilliance, a moment when David took down Goliath on a dusty pitch in Pakistan.
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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