Saqlain Mushtaq Opens Up On Dismissing Sachin Tendulkar In The 1999 India-Pakistan Chennai Test

Arch-rivals India and Pakistan have played many heartpumping encounters over the years during their storied rivalry. The two nations last played a Test match against each other in 2007, post which India called-off the bilateral ties in the wake of the 2008 Mumbai terror attack.

The rivalry was at its peak during the 1980s and 90s and one of the greatest-ever Test series played between the two nations was the 1999 two-match rubber when Pakistan toured India for the first time in 12 years.

The first Test match at the Chepauk was a heartpumping affair with Pakistan finally coming up trumps despite a whirlwind knock from Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar. Chasing 272 in the fourth innings, the Master, who was struggling with back spasm, waged a lone battle after India had been reduced to 5-52 and crafted a gobsmacking 136 to take the hosts on the brink of victory.

But with 17 runs to get, Saqlain Mushtaq claimed the prized wicket of Tendulkar, post which a collapse ensued and Pakistan went on to register a 12-run win.

Speaking to Sportstar on Instagram Live, Saqlain Mushtaq said that God was on his side that day and till his last breath, it will give him immense pride that he could dismiss Sachin Tendulkar that day in Chennai.

“God was on my side that day. I did not think that I will get the Master blaster (Sachin) out. But when god has plans, you can’t beat that. Till my last breath, it will give me enough pride that I could dismiss him that day. Mera naam uske Naam Ke Saath Juda rahega….”, reminisced Mushtaq on Instagram Live with Sportstar.

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I was scared to bowl doosra to Sachin: Saqlain Mushtaq

Mushtaq further revealed that he was scared to bowl his prime weapon, the doosra to Sachin Tendulkar, thinking that the Master would hit him for boundaries, but it was his captain Wasim Akram, who placed full faith in his abilities and motivated him to use the weapon.

‘I was scared to bowl the doosra to Sachin. He (Wasim Akram) told me that he had full faith in me and he believed that I could do something magical for the team. Those words helped and I suddenly felt stronger. I conceded a few boundaries, but eventually, got him out. Sachin had sharp eyes and he could read everything. It was intimidating. You wouldn’t believe, but I was scared to bowl him the doosra — fearing that he might hit boundaries. That was his power. The pitch was slow, so it was tough. But then, with god’s grace, I could send him packing.” Mushtaq added.

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Pakistan went on to win the first Test by 12 runs, and that innings by Sachin Tendulkar still remains one of the most heartbreaking knocks of his storied 24-year-old career.