Greatest Cricket Moments

Anil Kumble's 10 for 74 — Only the Second Test 'Perfect Ten' Ever

1999-02-07India vs Pakistan2nd Test, Pakistan tour of India 1998-992 min readSeverity: Explosive

Summary

On February 7, 1999, Anil Kumble took all ten Pakistani second-innings wickets — 10 for 74 in 26.3 overs — to become only the second bowler in Test history to claim a 'Perfect Ten' after Jim Laker (1956). India won by 212 runs.

Background

Pakistan had drawn the previous Test in Chennai by 12 runs after Sachin Tendulkar's 136 fell short. The Delhi Test had originally been scheduled for Mumbai but was moved when Shiv Sena activists dug up the Wankhede pitch in protest at Pakistan touring.

Build-Up

India batted first 252, then bowled Pakistan out for 172 (Kumble 4/75). India 339 in second innings (Sourav Ganguly 62, Sadagoppan Ramesh 96). Pakistan needed 420; openers Anwar and Afridi made 101.

What Happened

It was a tense Test in a tense series — Pakistan's first tour of India in 12 years, with security threats forcing Test venues to be moved. India set Pakistan 420 to win and the visitors started smoothly: Saeed Anwar 69, Shahid Afridi 41, opening stand of 101. Then Kumble bowled. Afridi was caught at slip by Mongia. Anwar ran himself out — but came back: Kumble had Anwar caught at short-leg by Laxman. By tea Pakistan were 128 for 4 and Kumble had four. Through the long evening session Kumble bowled the same line, leg-stump-and-middle, with subtle variations of length. Inzamam, Yousuf, Moin Khan, Salim Malik, Mushtaq Ahmed and Saqlain all fell to him — most caught at short-leg or bat-pad. With Pakistan 198 for 9, Javagal Srinath was deliberately bowling wide and short to Wasim Akram so that Kumble would not be denied. Wasim was caught at gully by VVS Laxman off Kumble. 10 for 74. India won by 212 runs.

Key Moments

1

Lunch day 4: Pakistan 95/0

2

Afridi caught Mongia b Kumble — wicket 1

3

Anwar caught Laxman b Kumble — wicket 2

4

Tea: Pakistan 128/4 (Kumble 4 for 32)

5

Inzamam, Yousuf, Moin, Malik, Mushtaq, Saqlain all fall to Kumble

6

9th wicket: Srinath deliberately bowls wide so Kumble can complete the ten

7

Wasim Akram caught Laxman b Kumble — 10/74

Timeline

February 4, 1999 — Day 1

India 252 all out.

February 5-6, 1999

Pakistan 172 (Kumble 4/75); India 339 in 2nd innings.

February 7, 1999 — morning

Pakistan 95/0 at lunch.

February 7, 1999 — tea

Pakistan 128/4, Kumble 4/32.

February 7, 1999 — evening

Pakistan 207 all out — Kumble 26.3-9-74-10.

Notable Quotes

“I just kept bowling the same areas. The wickets came at the other end too — credit to Srinath for being smart enough to stop them coming.”

— Anil Kumble

“I was just trying not to get him out. We knew Anil was on history.”

— Javagal Srinath

Aftermath

India levelled the series 1-1. Kumble was named Player of the Match for combined match figures of 14/149. The Feroz Shah Kotla scoreboard was preserved in the Anil Kumble Pavilion later named in his honour. The match-ball is in the Bangalore home of Kumble; the Pakistan team signed it.

⚖️ The Verdict

The most extraordinary individual bowling performance in Indian Test history. Forty-three years after Jim Laker, Kumble joined an exclusive club of two.

Legacy & Impact

Twenty-six years on, only Laker (10/53 vs Australia, Old Trafford 1956) and Kumble have taken all ten in a Test innings. Ajaz Patel later joined them with 10/119 against India in 2021 in Mumbai. Kumble retired in 2008 with 619 Test wickets, the third-highest in history.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many bowlers have taken all ten in a Test innings?▾
Three: Jim Laker (10/53, 1956), Anil Kumble (10/74, 1999) and Ajaz Patel (10/119, 2021).
Was Kumble's spell across one day?▾
Yes — all ten wickets fell on day four, February 7, 1999, in 26.3 overs.
Did Srinath really bowl wide deliberately?▾
Yes. With Pakistan eight down and Kumble on nine, Srinath bowled a wide line so Wasim Akram couldn't easily score and would eventually have to attack — and fall to — Kumble.

Tags

#anil-kumble#india#pakistan#delhi#1999#iconic-moment#perfect-ten#jim-laker#feroz-shah-kotla#test-cricket

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