NEW DELHI: The first Test between Pakistan and Australia in Karachi in 1994, remains one of the most thrilling finishes in cricket history.
Chasing 315 for victory, Pakistan found themselves in a precarious position at 258 for 9, staring down the barrel of their first-ever defeat at the jam-packed National Stadium in Karachi.
Australia, eager to secure their first win in Pakistan in 35 years, seemed all but certain to seal the victory.
However, what followed was a nerve-wracking partnership between Inzamam-ul-Haq and Mushtaq Ahmed.
Inzamam and Mushtaq mounted a fierce counterattack, capitalizing on an injury-ravaged Australian bowling attack.
Inzamam, calm under pressure, played some exquisite strokes, while Mushtaq, known more for his leg-spin than his batting, matched him with aggressive shots of his own.
The duo flayed the Australian bowlers, scoring 53 runs in just eight overs, bringing Pakistan tantalizingly close to an improbable victory.
With only three runs needed for victory, the Karachi crowd was on the edge of their seats, witnessing one of the most dramatic finishes in Test cricket.
Australia, despite their determined efforts, could not break the partnership.
Inzamam’s composure and Mushtaq’s fearless approach ensured that Pakistan pulled off a remarkable one-wicket victory, keeping their unbeaten record at the National Stadium intact.
The defeat was a heartbreaker for Australia, who had come so close to achieving their first win on Pakistani soil in over three decades.
The match is remembered for its thrilling conclusion, with Inzamam and Mushtaq’s heroic stand becoming a celebrated moment in Pakistan’s cricketing history.
