In 1995, the Zimbabwean cricket team achieved a milestone that would forever be etched in their history: their first-ever Test victory, coming in their 11th Test match. This historic win, which came in the first match of the three-Test series against Pakistan, was a remarkable display of skill, endurance, and determination. Zimbabwe’s achievement was not just about the result but also how they accomplished it, within an innings and inside four days.
A Farcical Start and Early Tensions
The match in Harare began with an odd and somewhat comical twist. Referee Jackie Hendriks called for a re-toss after a mix-up during the first call. Pakistan’s captain Salim Malik incorrectly called "Bird" instead of "Heads" on the Zimbabwean coin, prompting a second toss. Andy Flower won the revised toss and chose to bat, but the confusion did little to help Pakistan’s cause as they faced a formidable Zimbabwean side.
Initially, Pakistan’s bowlers, including Wasim Akram and Aaqib Javed, seemed to have things under control. They dismissed Zimbabwe’s top-order, reducing them to 42 for three. But this would prove to be only a temporary setback as the Flower brothers, Andy and Grant, took charge of the proceedings. From that point on, they dominated the Pakistan attack with poise and precision.
The Flower Brothers’ Record-Breaking Partnership
The pivotal moment in the match came when Andy and Grant Flower settled into a monumental partnership. Andy, the elder of the two, was the more dominant force. His remarkable century, which he achieved in just three and a half hours, set the tone for what would become a record-breaking fourth-wicket partnership. By the end of the first day, the Flowers had pushed their stand to 247 runs, overtaking Zimbabwe's previous record partnership of 194 runs set by Campbell and Houghton against Sri Lanka.
The following day, their partnership continued to grow, eventually surpassing the fraternal Test record of 264 runs set by the Australian Chappell brothers in 1973-74. Andy Flower was dismissed for 142, but Grant carried on, forming a 269-run stand with Neil Whittall, another significant partnership that led to Grant reaching his maiden Test century. Over 11 hours of batting, Grant scored a patient and disciplined 200, hitting only ten fours, an innings that exemplified concentration and endurance.
Zimbabwe declared their innings at a record 544 for four, their highest Test total to date, surpassing their previous best of 462 for nine. With such a monumental total on the board, Pakistan was left to chase shadows.
Pakistan's Struggle and Streak’s Heroics
Pakistan’s response to the massive total was lacklustre, with the top order falling prey to Zimbabwe’s bowlers. While Aamir Sohail, Salim Malik, and Ijaz Ahmed made starts, none of them managed to convert these starts into significant scores. Inzamam-ul-Haq, the most resilient of Pakistan’s batsmen, battled through a shoulder injury to score a fighting 71. However, it was clear that Pakistan’s collapse was imminent.
When Pakistan was forced to follow on, the writing was on the wall. Zimbabwe’s leader of the attack, Heath Streak, bowled a brilliant spell, taking six wickets for 90 runs. Streak’s relentless medium pace, combined with some poor shot selection from the Pakistani batsmen, led to a swift demise. Pakistan were bowled out for just 158, losing by an innings and 222 runs.
The Turnaround: Pakistan’s Victory in Bulawayo
The series shifted to Bulawayo, where Pakistan made a dramatic comeback to level the series. Wasim Akram, on a substandard pitch, unleashed a devastating spell, taking eight wickets for 83 runs, as Zimbabwe crumbled to 174 and 146 in their two innings. Despite Streak’s best efforts with the ball, Pakistan, led by Ijaz Ahmed’s steady 70 and a lower-order contribution, set a modest target of 61 runs for Zimbabwe in the second innings. It took Pakistan just 12 overs to seal the victory, with Aamir Sohail’s aggressive 46 from 26 balls guiding them to a comfortable win.
Zimbabwe’s Resilience in the Third Test
Despite the defeat, Zimbabwe remained resilient in the final Test. They once again found themselves in early trouble, losing key wickets at the start of their first innings. Grant Flower, the double-centurion from the first Test, was dismissed cheaply for six. Zimbabwe was reduced to 86 for six, but captain Campbell’s dogged 60 and Paul Strang’s valuable contribution with the ball and bat gave Zimbabwe some hope.
Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Wasim, tore into Zimbabwe’s batting in the second innings, but Zimbabwe’s resistance, led by the Flower brothers and their seamers, kept the match alive. As Pakistan’s target of 239 was set, it became clear that this Test would be decided by a final battle of attrition.
The Decisive Final Moments
With a slender lead of just 12 runs, Zimbabwe’s task in the fourth innings was daunting. Pakistan’s bowlers, particularly Aamir Nazir, had the upper hand, taking five wickets to restrict Zimbabwe to 243 all out. The final target for Pakistan was 239, and despite a few scares, they managed to reach it with relative ease. The target was accomplished in just 12 overs, with Aamir Sohail blasting 46 off 26 balls.
Despite the victory, tensions between the two teams continued to escalate. There were accusations of ball-tampering and persistent sledging from both sides, adding a layer of acrimony to what had been an otherwise gripping contest.
Conclusion: A Historic Series
Pakistan’s triumph in the third Test was not only a victory for the team but also a reminder of the dramatic nature of Test cricket. Zimbabwe had pushed Pakistan to their limits, but the Pakistanis showed resilience, coming from behind to win the series. However, the series was also marred by off-field controversies. Allegations of bribery and ball-tampering tarnished what should have been a memorable contest.
In the end, the 1995 series between Pakistan and Zimbabwe remains one of the most fascinating in recent history. Zimbabwe’s historic victory in the first Test will forever be remembered for the dominance of the Flower brothers, while Pakistan’s comeback showcased the grit and resolve of their seasoned players. Both teams displayed remarkable skills and determination, making it a series worthy of remembrance in the annals of cricket history.
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
