Fast bowling is often about rhythm, deception, and an unrelenting ability to exploit a batsman’s slightest miscalculation. While many bowlers rely on sheer pace, a select few possess the rare ability to weave magic with the ball—an ability that Wasim Akram displayed to perfection on this fateful day in 1989.
In a match that had hung in perfect equilibrium, Akram produced a spell of sheer genius that dismantled the West Indies’ chase in the blink of an eye. With five wickets in hand and only 42 runs needed at just under seven per over, the visitors were still favourites to secure victory. But cricket is a game of moments, and in three deliveries, Akram single-handedly turned the match on its head, leaving a stunned West Indian lineup in his wake.
The Hat-Trick: A Masterclass in Swing and Precision
At the heart of Wasim Akram’s artistry lay his ability to generate prodigious movement with both conventional and reverse swing. On this occasion, his precision, deception, and tactical awareness combined to create one of the most unforgettable hat-tricks in cricket history.
The first to fall was Jeff Dujon. Akram, bowling from around the wicket, released a delivery that seemed to be heading comfortably outside the off-stump. The West Indian wicketkeeper, enticed by the apparent width, prepared to play a confident stroke. But just as he committed, the ball swung in alarmingly late, dipping onto his toes and crashing into the base of the stumps. The crowd erupted as Dujon, caught completely off guard, could do nothing but walk back in disbelief.
Malcolm Marshall was next. A legendary fast bowler himself, Marshall was no stranger to high-quality pace bowling. Yet, even he was deceived by Akram’s mastery. The very first delivery he faced seemed like a regulation-length ball, one that invited a cover drive. Marshall took the bait, stepping forward to meet it, only to realize—too late—that the ball was darting in sharply. Before he could adjust, it had snaked past his bat and clattered into the leg stump. The partisan Pakistani crowd roared as another West Indian great trudged back.
With two wickets in two balls, Akram sensed blood. In strode Curtly Ambrose, a left-handed tailender with a towering presence but a fragile technique. Akram, ever the tactician, immediately switched to over the wicket. He delivered a ball that pitched on middle stump and, instead of coming in, deviated just enough to beat Ambrose’s tentative push. The off-stump was sent cartwheeling—a stunning end to a hat-trick where every victim had been bowled. It was only the second such hat-trick in international cricket history, following Chetan Sharma’s feat in the 1987 World Cup.
The Turning Point: A Collapse from the Brink of Victory
Before Akram’s hat-trick, the West Indies had looked in control. Desmond Haynes (59) had laid a solid foundation, and his 85-run partnership with Richie Richardson for the second wicket had put them in a dominant position at 117 for one. However, as often happens in cricket, a sudden flurry of wickets altered the complexion of the chase.
Richardson, Keith Arthurton, and Haynes all departed in quick succession, reducing the West Indies to 124 for four. Even then, their hopes were far from extinguished, as the ever-aggressive Viv Richards launched a counterattack. His 46 off 45 balls, stitched together with a crucial 61-run partnership for the fifth wicket, reignited belief in the West Indian camp.
But Richards’ dismissal provided Pakistan with an opening, and Akram took full advantage. His hat-trick decimated the lower order, and he wasn’t done yet. Moments later, he dismissed Courtney Walsh with yet another swinging delivery that pitched on middle stump and deviated away, knocking back the off-stump. In the span of just a few overs, a confident chase had disintegrated into chaos.
Pakistan’s Batting: A Crucial Foundation for Victory
Though Akram’s spell stole the spotlight, Pakistan’s batting performance earlier in the match had played a crucial role in setting up their victory. The innings was anchored by Salim Malik’s superb 74 off 83 balls—a fluent knock filled with elegant strokeplay and impeccable timing. His efforts provided the stability Pakistan needed, while the finishing touches were applied by Imran Khan.
The Pakistani captain, known for his ability to rise to the occasion, launched a late assault that propelled his side to a competitive total of 250. His powerful hitting in the final overs, including two towering sixes and two boundaries off Curtly Ambrose’s last over, ensured that Pakistan had enough on the board to challenge a strong West Indian lineup.
Interestingly, the margin of Pakistan’s victory turned out to be exactly the number of wides conceded by the West Indian bowlers—an indication that even the smallest lapses in discipline can be costly at the highest level.
Conclusion: A Spell for the Ages
In a sport where fortunes fluctuate within moments, Wasim Akram’s three deliveries in 1989 remain etched in cricketing folklore. His hat-trick wasn’t just a statistical achievement—it was a masterclass in fast bowling, an exhibition of control, swing, and tactical intelligence.
For the West Indies, it was a harsh reminder that even a position of strength can be obliterated by a single moment of brilliance. For Pakistan, it was a triumph built on a blend of resilience and individual genius, with Akram’s spell serving as the defining chapter.
And for cricket lovers, it was yet another testament to the artistry of one of the greatest fast bowlers the game has ever seen.
