What was initially billed as "The Showdown Test" soon evolved into a devastating exhibition of fast bowling that left England reeling. Pakistan’s victory secured a mere 15 minutes before the lunch break on the fourth day, was a comprehensive triumph, a result that exceeded even the most optimistic expectations. But beyond the win itself, it marked a pivotal moment in the career of Pakistan’s captain, Javed Miandad. This was the moment when Miandad emerged as the undisputed leader of his team, a captain who no longer required the paternalistic guidance of Imran Khan, but had instead cultivated a young, talented squad capable of standing on its own.
This victory, more than any other, symbolized the changing of the guard in Pakistan cricket, where Miandad’s leadership was now fully realized. Fittingly, it was Miandad’s bowlers who provided the decisive impact. Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis—two of the most fearsome fast bowlers the world has ever seen—formed an unshakable pillar of Pakistan’s success. Together, they not only led their team to a crushing win, but also achieved a rare cricketing feat. Wasim Akram equalled Imran Khan's record of 21 wickets in a series in England, a record that had once seemed invincible. But it was Waqar, with one more wicket, who set a new benchmark, establishing himself as one of the all-time greats of fast bowling. Their combined total of 43 wickets was the cornerstone of Pakistan’s triumph, and at The Oval, their performance left England shattered, outclassed, and broken.
A New Look for Pakistan
Ahead of the match, both teams made several changes, reflecting the dynamic nature of the series. England recalled the seasoned duo of Malcolm and Tufnell—Tufnell having recovered from an appendix operation—while Pakistan made more unexpected decisions. Inzamam-ul-Haq, once considered a promising young talent, was dropped, and Shoaib Mohammad was given a chance to showcase his skills. Pakistan also replaced wicketkeeper Moin Khan with Rashid Latif, a move that would later prove crucial in the match’s outcome. Latif, more familiar to the crowd as a substitute fielder, would soon become an unlikely hero.
England's approach to the toss was crucial, as they found themselves in conditions that were ideal for batting. Despite the early dismissals of Gooch and Stewart, England's plan seemed to hold steady. Stewart, who had requested to combine his duties as an opener with wicket-keeping, found himself injured, and Alec Stewart’s absence behind the stumps would be felt later in the day. However, the game took a dramatic turn when Pakistan's fast bowlers tore through the English middle and lower order. Aqib Javed struck the first blow, and Wasim Akram, with help from Waqar, took over the demolition job. Wasim Akram’s spell of five wickets for 18 runs in just over seven overs was a virtuoso display of fast bowling—complete with a mix of inswinging yorkers and searing deliveries that left the English batsmen bewildered.
The Inimitable Wasim and Waqar:
What stood out in this match was not just the sheer pace and aggression of Pakistan’s bowlers but their ability to outthink the batsmen, to lull them into a false sense of security before striking decisively. Wasim Akram’s wicket of Gower, with a bottom-edged square cut, was a perfect example of the controlled aggression that defined his bowling throughout his career. Waqar Younis, who had already shown glimpses of his potential in the series, was nothing short of sensational. His ability to reverse the ball, especially with an older ball, combined with his relentless pace, dismantled England’s lower order.
England's top order had initially looked solid, with Atherton’s determined 4.5-hour knock standing out. But once Pakistan’s fast bowlers found their rhythm, England’s resistance crumbled. Waqar was the primary architect of this collapse, reducing England to 55 for 3 by tea. His precision with the ball, combined with his ability to generate pace and swing, made it seem as though the English batsmen had no answers. When Gower was dismissed after shouldering arms to a delivery that came back off the seam, the game was effectively over.
Latif’s Surprising Contribution
The match was far from over, however, and in a moment of unexpected brilliance, Rashid Latif—who had been relatively unknown in terms of his batting skills—produced an innings that would surprise everyone. Coming in at a crucial juncture with Pakistan’s lead still modest, Latif struck 50 runs off just 87 balls, including six boundaries, before being dismissed. His free-flowing stroke play, with minimal technical fuss, demonstrated a natural aptitude for batting. His innings was crucial in extending Pakistan’s lead, setting England an even greater challenge to save the match.
Waqar and Wasim Seal the Victory
When England began their second innings, they were left with little more than hope. Waqar Younis, now in full stride, ripped through England’s batting with his characteristic pace and aggression. By the time tea arrived on the fourth day, England were 59 for 4. Waqar, alongside Wasim, had made light work of England’s resistance. The remaining English batsmen—Smith and Lewis—fought bravely, with Smith playing an admirable knock of 84, but the inevitable was already apparent. Waqar and Wasim, the fast-bowling duo that had defined the series, added the final touches to Pakistan’s victory, leaving the home side broken and defeated.
The match, however, was not without its controversy. Following the win, the media, particularly in England, began speculating once again about ball-tampering—an issue that had plagued Pakistani fast bowlers in the past. England’s manager, Micky Stewart, hinted that he knew the secret to how Pakistan’s bowlers managed to generate such prodigious swing with an older ball, but he refused to disclose it. This further fueled the controversy, but it did little to take away from Pakistan’s comprehensive victory, one that had been achieved through skill, strategy, and sheer fast-bowling brilliance.
Conclusion
This "Showdown Test" ultimately became a showcase for the sheer genius of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis—two of the most devastating fast bowlers in cricketing history. Their combined force on the field dismantled a proud English team, and their victory secured not only the series but also solidified their place in the annals of cricketing greatness. The test, while defined by remarkable bowling performances, was also emblematic of Pakistan’s shifting dynamics—a team under the confident leadership of Miandad, with a blend of youthful talent and seasoned excellence. Together, they had sealed a dominant victory and written a new chapter in the story of Pakistan cricket.
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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