Anil Kumble's Historic 'Perfect Ten' Against Pakistan: A Landmark Achievement

During the second Test of the series between India and Pakistan, India set a challenging target of 420 runs for Pakistan to chase. Pakistan's opening batsmen, Saeed Anwar and Shahid Afridi, got off to a fantastic start, putting together a century partnership. With the score at 101 for no loss, Pakistan seemed to be in a dominant position against the home team.

Kumble’s game-changing spell

With the match slipping away, Kumble stepped up. He bowled a relentless spell, dismissing one batsman after another. In a stunning display of accuracy and control, he picked up all ten wickets, finishing with figures of 10 for 74 in 26.3 overs. His spell turned the game completely in India’s favour, leading to a historic victory. The legspinner reached the milestone when he dismissed Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram, leading to jubilant celebrations by his team-mates and the crowd who witnessed history being made by an Indian bowler.

Before Kumble, only England’s Jim Laker had achieved this milestone, taking 10 wickets in an innings against Australia in 1956. Kumble’s achievement remains one of the most celebrated moments in Indian cricket history.

Moreover, realising the significance of the moment, Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin and fast bowler Javagal Srinath played a supporting role. Srinath, in particular, deliberately bowled wide deliveries to allow Kumble a chance to complete the feat.

A defining moment in cricket

Kumble’s incredible bowling display helped India secure a 212-run win, their first Test victory over Pakistan in 23 matches, ending a drought that had lasted since 1979-80. His achievement remains a defining moment, celebrated by cricket fans across generations.

Even today, Kumble’s 10-wicket haul is remembered as one of the finest individual performances in cricket.

ICC Champions Trophy , ICC Champions Trophy Schedule , and Champions Trophy 2025 Points Table – stay ahead with real-time match updates, team standings, and insights. Check live cricket score , player stats, and ICC rankings of top players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli . Get expert analysis, match previews, and in-depth coverage of ICC CT 2025 and IPL 2025, all on HT Crickit, powered by Hindustan Times – your trusted source for cricket news. .freemium-card h4{color:#fff; padding-bottom:20px;} .freemium-card .freemium-content .subcTxt{padding-bottom:16px; color:#fff;} .freemium-card .freemium-content{width: auto; max-width: inherit;} .freemium-card .freemium-content .subcTxt{max-width:inherit; font-size:18px; padding-top:0; line-height:24px} .freemium-card .btnSubc{margin} .freemium-card .btnSubc a{background:#000; color:#fff; min-width:auto; padding:5px 15px; border-radius:6px; font-size:16px; line-height:22px; font-weight:700;} .freemium-card{height:285px} @media (max-width: 767px) { .freemium-card h4{font-size:28px} .freemium-card .freemium-content{max-width:360px; padding: 20px;} .freemium-card{height:303px; background-position: 100% 0; } }