Wasim Akram’s Spell of Magic: A Hat-Trick That Stunned the West Indies

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.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Estêvão Willian: The Birth of a Creator Winger

It was the moment Chelsea had been waiting for — a spark of genius from their Brazilian prodigy. When Estêvão Willian finally scored his first goal for the Blues, it felt less like a beginning and more like confirmation. The wonderkid, already a full international under Carlo Ancelotti and a £51 million investment, had arrived.

Before his move to Stamford Bridge, Estêvão had rewritten Palmeiras’ history books — becoming the first under-18 player to record 20 combined goals and assists, surpassing a record once held by Neymar. Now, in London blue, he looks destined to follow the path of his illustrious predecessor.

The Context: Chelsea’s New Core

Enzo Maresca’s decision to unleash Estêvão alongside fellow teenagers Marc Guiu and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens symbolized a new chapter in Chelsea’s youth-driven rebuild. Yet amid the exuberance of youth, it was Moisés Caicedo who embodied control and class — scoring a thunderous opener and almost sealing the game with a late long-range effort.

Caicedo, who famously chose Chelsea over Liverpool, continues to prove himself one of the Premier League’s elite midfielders. His work rate, defensive nous, and leadership complement the expressive chaos of the Blues’ younger generation.

The only blemish on the night came in the form of injuries to centre-backs Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile, leaving Maresca with a defensive crisis — six central defenders unavailable through injury or suspension. But that backdrop only magnifies the brilliance of Estêvão’s rise: a starlet thriving amid adversity.

The Anatomy of a Winger

To understand Estêvão, one must first understand the evolution of the winger — a position now as varied as it is vital. Broadly speaking, modern wide players fall into three archetypes: the Take-On Winger, the Runner Winger, and the Creator Winger.

1. Take-On Wingers

These are duelists — specialists in 1v1 combat. They thrive on direct confrontation, luring defenders into traps before bursting past them. Jérémy Doku, Rafael Leão, and Sadio Mané exemplify this type: explosive, fearless, and relentlessly vertical.

2. Runner Wingers

The runners are chaos merchants of space. They attack the channels, thrive in transition, and exploit defensive lines with intelligent movement. Raheem Sterling, Heung-min Son, and Marcus Rashford fit this archetype — adaptable forwards who stretch and disrupt.

3. Creator Wingers

Then there are the thinkers — wingers who dictate. They may start wide but see the entire pitch like playmakers. These are players like Lionel Messi, Neymar, Eden Hazard, and Mohamed Salah: capable of both artistry and incision. They orchestrate as much as they destroy.

Of course, these archetypes overlap. Messi and Neymar, for instance, are all three at once — creators, runners, and duelists, able to shape the rhythm of the game at will.

The Dribbler’s Code: Two Archetypes of Motion

Stop-Motion Dribbling

Stop-motion dribbling is an art of patience and timing. It’s less about speed, more about manipulation. The player pauses — waiting for the defender to commit — and then strikes. It’s a duel of micro-movements and psychology, where each feint and shoulder drop is a calculated input, like pressing the right buttons on a calculator.

Dynamic-Motion Dribbling

By contrast, dynamic motion is chaos tamed by instinct. It’s fast, flowing, and reactive — the art of moving too quickly for the defender to engage. These dribblers are like race drivers, relying on feel and reflex to stay ahead of danger.

Estêvão Willian: The Creator in Motion

Estêvão belongs firmly in the creator winger category, though he borrows from both others. He’s a player who can receive anywhere — wide, central, or deep — and immediately pose a question to the defence.

Statistically, he ranks in the:

94th percentile for successful take-ons (3.04 per 90),

88th percentile for touches in the opponent’s box (5.46 per 90),

96th percentile for total shots (3.58 per 90).

These numbers paint the portrait of a winger who doesn’t just entertain — he penetrates. Estêvão is a direct creator, a player who seeks to end moves as much as he begins them.

The Mechanics of Brilliance

Stop-Motion and Body Manipulation

Estêvão’s genius lies in how he bends time and space. His stop-motion dribbling freezes defenders — he waits until they plant their feet or shift weight, then explodes in the opposite direction.

Just as impressive is his body manipulation. He adjusts posture and angle in milliseconds, creating perfect alignment for ball striking. It’s this biomechanical precision that allows him to hit clean, top-corner finishes from awkward positions. While many players lose balance under pressure, Estêvão engineers his own equilibrium.

The Creative Instinct

Creativity, for Estêvão, is not merely about the final pass. It’s about progression — moving the ball forward intelligently, whether through carries, feints, or disguised passes. He understands that football flows not only vertically but laterally, and he navigates both axes with maturity rare for his age.

Even in his early games, he shows an instinct for rhythm — knowing when to accelerate play and when to hold, when to attack space and when to draw defenders in.

Estêvão vs. Neymar: The Inheritance of Expression

The Neymar comparison is inevitable — and fair. Both are expressive creators with elasticity in their movement and vision in their playmaking. Neymar remains the prototype; Estêvão, the apprentice. Yet there are shades of individuality already visible: where Neymar dazzles with spontaneity, Estêvão adds calculation and control.

The Shape of the Future

Estêvão Willian represents the modern hybrid winger — a player who merges flair with function, artistry with analytics. His rise at Chelsea is not just a story of youthful brilliance, but of a broader evolution in how we define creativity in football.

Brazil has long been football’s cradle of genius — from Pelé to Garrincha, Romário to Ronaldo El Fenomeno. But in Brazil, talent alone is not enough. To be immortalized, one must win. The World Cup remains the measure of greatness.

For Estêvão Willian, that path has just begun. Whether he ascends to the pantheon or fades like Coutinho will depend not on talent — for that is unquestioned — but on how he channels it.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar 

Brazil in Seoul: A Symphony in the Rain

Under a curtain of rain and the luminous aura of Seoul’s World Cup Stadium, Brazil’s attacking quartet staged a spectacle of rhythm and precision, dismantling South Korea 5–0 in a friendly that felt more like a statement than a rehearsal. With fluid triangulations and hypnotic exchanges of passes, the Seleção built a masterpiece—two goals each from Estêvão and Rodrygo, and one from Vini Jr., sealing a rout that recalled Brazil’s most poetic eras.

The Anatomy of a Rout

It took just twelve minutes for Brazil to announce its intent. Rodrygo, orchestrating from the right, slipped the ball to Bruno Guimarães, whose perfectly weighted pass met the diagonal run of Estêvão—the 18-year-old prodigy finishing with a composure that belied his age.

A flag would later deny Casemiro a goal, but the momentum was irreversible.

South Korea, hesitant and disjointed, began to stretch its lines only by the 25th minute, aiming their build-ups toward Son Heung-Min, yet finding no precision in the final third. The contrast was glaring: Brazil’s movements were choreographed, Korea’s reactive.

At forty minutes, the inevitable second goal came. Vini Jr. cut in from the left, playing Casemiro through the middle, who found Rodrygo ghosting past defenders to make it 2–0. The rain fell heavier, as though applauding.

A Storm Without Shelter

If South Korea sought respite in halftime, they found none. Within a minute of the restart, Estêvão dispossessed Kim Min-Jae and delivered a clinical cross to make it three. Two minutes later, Casemiro’s interception triggered another cascade—Vini to Rodrygo, and the number ten finished with grace: 4–0.

Ancelotti’s Brazil moved like a single organism—pressing, recovering, creating. Korea’s substitutions sought to disrupt the rhythm, but even Son’s rare sparks were swallowed by Brazil’s relentless tempo.

Then came the final act. In the 32nd minute, Paquetá’s steal ignited a sequence that found Matheus Cunha and, finally, Vini Jr., who danced past his marker, nearly slipped, and yet stayed upright long enough to slip the ball into the net. Five goals. Five movements. A perfect symphony in the rain.

Between Nostalgia and Inquiry

One could almost imagine a young newspaper vendor in 1958, cap askew, shouting down the street:

“Extra, extra! Brazil still knows how to play football!”

Of course, that’s sentimentality speaking. Yet such performances—rare in recent memory—do awaken a nostalgic chord. For a nation accustomed to artistry on the pitch, moments like these remind us why we fell in love with the game in the first place.

Beyond the Scoreline: The Analytical View

Still, sentiment must yield to scrutiny. This was, after all, a friendly—one among several Brazil will play before the 2026 World Cup. The previous matches (a win over the United States and a draw with Mexico) offered hints of progress. Now, against South Korea, Brazil displayed fluidity, confidence, and the cohesion that Ancelotti has been painstakingly cultivating.

Ancelotti’s tactical gamble—a front four of Vini Jr., Rodrygo, Matheus Cunha, and Estêvão—worked seamlessly against a side that allowed space. Their constant positional interchanges and intuitive understanding created the illusion of simplicity. But the question lingers: how will this system fare against the giants—Argentina, France, Spain, Portugal—teams that compress time and space, that punish overcommitment?

The Italian strategist, ever pragmatic, knows the experiment is incomplete. He has alternated between attacking exuberance and the security of an extra midfielder, preparing Brazil to adapt by opponent and occasion. This versatility, rather than pure dominance, might become his greatest asset.

A Measured Euphoria

For now, Brazil can afford a quiet smile. The rain in Seoul bore witness not just to goals, but to glimpses of identity rediscovered—of a Seleção unafraid to dance again. The friendlies to come—against Japan, Senegal, Tunisia—will not define Brazil’s fate, but they will chart its direction.

In the end, the 5–0 was more than a score. It was a reminder—a whisper through the drizzle—that beauty, when rehearsed with discipline, can still win games.

But, still, the question remains, can Brazil put the same show against Argentina, Spain, Portugal or France?

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar

Pakistan vs. Australia, 1994: A Battle of Will and Craft in Rawalpindi

Test cricket, at its finest, is a test of patience, resilience, and adaptability. It does not merely entertain—it interrogates the very essence of a cricketer’s temperament, probing for flaws and exposing weaknesses. The Pakistan-Australia series of 1994 was a case study in this enduring examination of character, where two teams, locked in transition, contested a series that would go on to shape their cricketing destinies.

The Prologue: A Shift in Leadership 

Mark Taylor had inherited the Australian captaincy from Allan Border, stepping into the shoes of a legend. The mission was clear: reclaim Australia’s dominance in Test cricket. Their ultimate goal lay months ahead—toppling the mighty West Indies in their own backyard—but before that, they had to conquer Pakistan, a fortress that had humbled many visiting teams before them.

Pakistan, too, was navigating a post-Miandad era. The void left by the street-smart genius of Javed Miandad was daunting, but the team was not short of firepower. The top order boasted the elegance of Saeed Anwar and Aamir Sohail, the promise of Inzamam-ul-Haq, and the enigmatic artistry of Salim Malik, who had been entrusted with the captaincy. Supporting them was a bowling attack feared across the cricketing world—Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, reverse swing’s most lethal exponents, backed by the wily leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed.

The Karachi Test: A Study in Chaos and Brilliance

The first Test at Karachi unfolded as a classic, a battle between precision and perseverance. Wasim Akram’s eight wickets (8 for 138) and Waqar Younis’ seven (7 for 144) kept Australia in check, but David Boon’s resilient 114* was the backbone of a total that placed the visitors in command. From 171 for 2, Australia’s second innings unravelled spectacularly to 232 all out, a collapse engineered by the unrelenting reverse swing of Pakistan’s pace duo.

Pakistan’s chase of 314, however, turned into a labyrinth of despair. Shane Warne, weaving his magic on a wearing pitch, threatened to strangle the life out of the pursuit, claiming 8 for 150. At 184 for 7, Pakistan teetered on the edge of defeat. But cricket, ever the unpredictable beast, had other plans. Inzamam-ul-Haq and Rashid Latif fought with defiant resolve, adding 52 runs that breathed life into a waning chase. Mushtaq Ahmed, an unlikely hero, provided the final support as Inzamam steered Pakistan to a nerve-wracking one-wicket victory, sealing one of the most remarkable turnarounds in Test history.

The Rawalpindi Test: A Story of Redemption and Ruthlessness

With the wounds of Karachi still raw, Australia arrived in Rawalpindi determined to strike back. They introduced a debutant fast bowler named Damien Fleming, while Pakistan recalled Mohsin Kamal, once hailed as a prodigious quick but absent from the Test arena since 1987.

Malik opted to field first, trusting his bowlers to exploit early conditions. Yet, despite Wasim Akram’s gallant effort—bowling through excruciating back pain—Australia flourished. Michael Slater’s blistering 110 off 155 balls set the tone, and steady contributions from the Waugh twins, Michael Bevan, and Ian Healy propelled Australia to a commanding 521 for 9 before Taylor declared. Pakistan now faced a mountain.

Aamir Sohail’s Audacious Start, Pakistan’s Precarious Plunge

Pakistan’s response was blistering. Aamer Sohail, fearless and flamboyant, tore into the Australian attack, racing to 80 off 83 balls with exquisite strokeplay. But cricket’s equilibrium is delicate—soon, Pakistan crumbled to 198 for 8. The familiar resistance of Wasim and Waqar prolonged the innings, yet a deficit of 261 forced a humiliating follow-on.

Determined to press home the advantage, Taylor devised a ruthless plan. He had Jo Angel bowl menacing bouncers at Sohail, attempting to shake his confidence. The tactic nearly worked—Sohail mistimed a pull, the ball ballooned to Warne at deep square leg… and inexplicably, Warne spilt the chance. A lifeline had been granted.

By stumps, Pakistan had reached 324 for 2, securing a lead of 63. But the night belonged to one man—Saleem Malik.

Salim Malik’s Masterclass: An Innings for the Ages

Test cricket often bestows moments of redemption upon those who need it most, and for Malik, this was his grand reckoning. His innings was not just a counterattack—it was a statement.

Taylor, sensing the pivotal moment, had devised a plan to unsettle the Pakistani skipper. “Malik is obviously their key man,” he instructed Angel. “Let’s bowl him a good round of short ones and see how he handles them.” The first short ball after lunch had Malik fending, a thick edge carrying to Taylor at slip. The moment was there. The catch was there. And then—it wasn’t. Taylor, one of the safest hands in world cricket, had dropped him.

What followed was destruction. Malik’s first fifty came off 49 balls, laced with ten boundaries. Taylor, desperate, turned to Bevan’s part-time chinaman, but Malik was merciless, plundering 25 runs from three overs. His second fifty, though more measured, still included nine fours. When he finally drove Warne against the turn to bring up his century, the crowd erupted into applause that refused to wane.

By the time he departed for 237, Malik had orchestrated Pakistan’s resurrection. His artistry left Australia spellbound. The innings remains one of the greatest ever played by a Pakistani against Australia, a masterclass of controlled aggression and exquisite placement.

The Final Twist: Fleming’s Historic Hat-Trick

Just as Pakistan seemed untouchable, Test cricket’s penchant for drama resurfaced. Inzamam shuffled across to his first ball, was struck on the pads, and was promptly adjudged lbw. Damien Fleming, in only his second over in Test cricket, sensed an opportunity. As he ran in for his next ball, he whispered to McDermott, *“Saleem doesn’t know it yet, but he’s about to become part of Test history.”*

The delivery was perfect—a fast leg-cutter that shaped away late. Malik, on 237, reached for it, edged, and Healy gleefully accepted the catch. With that, Fleming became only the third bowler to take a hat-trick on Test debut, etching his name into cricketing folklore.

A Farcical End, A Lasting Legacy

The Test’s conclusion was almost comic. With Pakistan firmly in control, Taylor and Slater—pure batsmen—were given the ball. Each managed a wicket, their only Test scalps. Australia, facing the inevitable, extended hands in surrender. Pakistan had amassed 537, and Australia’s response was a mere formality.

Yet, beyond statistics and scorecards, this Test, much like Karachi before it, was a testament to the unpredictable beauty of the game. Australia had arrived with a point to prove, but Pakistan, fueled by resilience and artistry, had once again defied the odds.

For Saleem Malik, this was a crowning achievement. For Australia, it was a lesson in missed opportunities and relentless perseverance. For cricket, it was another chapter in the never-ending saga of triumph, heartbreak, and the eternal struggle between bat and ball. And for those who witnessed it, it was nothing short of poetry in motion.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

From Ashes to Ascendancy: The Making of Imran Khan

 

It began as a story of uncertainty, a young man, raw and unrefined, stepping into the cauldron of Test cricket under the watchful eye of Majid Khan. When asked whether he marked his run-up, the 19-year-old’s puzzled expression revealed a lack of technical grounding, not of ambition. Majid, both mentor and craftsman, took it upon himself to sculpt the uncut stone — teaching him rhythm, line, and length. Yet, cricket, like life, seldom rewards talent without torment.

The following day, whispers of nepotism echoed through the dressing room. For a young man already unsure of his footing, it was a dagger cloaked in jest. Depression followed; the dream of being a fast bowler seemed to have drowned before it had even learned to swim. Dropped, disillusioned, and distant, he sought refuge in the scholarly calm of Oxford, a far cry from the fire of the cricketing arena.

In Worcester, he was advised again to take up medium pace — to compromise, to settle. But the boy who had idolized Wes Hall and Dennis Lillee could not reconcile with mediocrity. If pace was a madness, he was determined to be consumed by it. He hurled the ball with reckless abandon, trading control for speed, until one day in Sydney, six years later, that madness bore fruit. The Australians felt his fury. The boy had become a bowler.

When Garfield Sobers was told that this Pakistani was as fast as Lillee, the legend quipped, “Then Lillee must have been bowling at half pace.” It was both humor and prophecy. The fire had only begun to spread.

But fast bowling, like all art, demands evolution. During the Kerry Packer World Series, a chance meeting with John Snow and Garth Le Roux transformed his craft. They spoke of the science behind the side-on action, the power of the jump, the rhythm of controlled aggression. Imran listened, learned, and reinvented himself. For perhaps the first time in cricket’s long history, a bowler metamorphosed after the age of thirty, and not merely survived, but conquered.

From the ashes of failure rose a phoenix, a tearaway fast bowler, an elegant all-rounder, and a leader of indomitable will. Imran Khan not only transformed his own destiny but rewrote that of an entire cricketing nation. Under his command, Pakistan learned to believe — in victory, in discipline, and in the poetry of persistence.

Imran Khan’s journey is not merely that of a cricketer. It is a parable of self-belief, of how a man can stare into the abyss of defeat and emerge not just victorious, but legendary.

Imran Khan is my cricketing hero.

Happy Birthday to the man who taught us that greatness is forged, not gifted.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar