10 Great Moments in Mushtaq Ahmed's Test Career for Pakistan
For a time, Mushtaq Ahmed was one of the best spinners in the world, as he dominated for Pakistan in the 1990s.
He certainly had some notable moments in Test matches, in a career that spanned 52 games in the longest format and 13 years all told.
On his 45th birthday, let’s take a look at 10 of the best moments in the five-day format in Mushtaq Ahmed's career.
Test Debut
It was not the greatest start to his Test career, but Ahmed’s debut was definitely a significant moment for him personally.
He came in for the second Test against Australia in Adelaide and took just one wicket, that of Mark Taylor in the second innings, as the game ended in a draw.
Maiden Five-Wicket Haul (1995)
It took a few years, but Ahmed eventually had his maiden five-wicket haul against Australia in 1995’s second Test in Hobart.
He took 5-115 in the first innings, then nearly had 10 in the match but fell short, as he took 4-83 in the second innings.
BBI vs. New Zealand (1995)
In 1995, Ahmed achieved his best bowling figures in an innings against New Zealand, at Christchurch, as he took 7-56 in the second innings.
His haul helped Pakistan defeat the Black Caps by 161 runs in the one-off Test and showed just what he was capable of in the fourth innings of a game.
Helps Win Game with the Bat Against Australia
Ahmed seemed to enjoy playing against Australia, and he impressed with the bat in the first Test in Karachi in 1994.
Pakistan were chasing 314 to win but were in trouble when he came to the crease at 258-9.
However, Ahmed made 20 not out in partnership with Inzamam-ul-Haq to take the hosts to victory.
Dominant Against England (1996)
On Pakistan’s tour of England in 1996, Ahmed profited enormously, even on pitches that traditionally offer little to spinners.
In the first Test at Lord’s, he took six wickets in the game, including 5-57 in the second innings, as the away side came away with a win by 164 runs.
Then, in the third Test at The Oval, Ahmed took two wickets in the first innings and then 6-78 in the second from 37 overs, as Pakistan won by nine wickets.
Those performances came as part of a 17-wicket haul in three games, at an average of 26.29 to complete a dominant performance.
Best Match Figures (1997)
Ahmed certainly enjoyed playing at home, and against the West Indies at Peshawar in 1997, he earned his best bowling figures in a match.
He took 5-35 in the first innings, then followed it up with 5-71 in the second innings, as the home side won by an innings and 19 runs.
Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1997)
Ahmed was named a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1997, after a period of time between November 1995 and August 1996 in which he took 45 wickets in six Tests.
In its citation, Wisden said he was “perhaps the most enchanting of the lot.”
It was indicative of a spinner who was at the top of his game in international cricket.
First 50 with the Bat
On occasion, Ahmed would shine with the bat, and against South Africa in 1997, he made his first half century at No. 11.
He stroked 59 from 106, as Pakistan reached 456 in the first innings, a total that helped them secure a draw.
Second Ever 50
Less than a year later, Ahmed was at it again, as he made his second and last half century in Tests against Zimbabwe in Harare in early 1998.
At No. 10 this time, he made 57 in Pakistan’s first innings total of 354, which helped them beat a talented Zimbabwe side by three wickets.
Recall to Tests
Ahmed had been away from Test cricket for over two years, before a stunning revival with Sussex in the County Championship saw him recalled to Pakistan’s side.
He returned for two Tests against South Africa but unfortunately was not the bowler he once was on the game’s biggest stage.