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On October 14, 1989, Wasim Akram etched his name into cricketing history with a remarkable hat-trick that propelled Pakistan to victory over the West Indies in a One-Day International (ODI) match at Sharjah. Akram's spellbinding performance made him only the fourth bowler ever to achieve this rare feat in ODI cricket. In this article, we revisit the iconic spell that showcased Akram's unparalleled bowling prowess and its enduring significance in the world of cricket.
With a deceptively short run-up, Akram was a bowler to be reckoned with. Batsmen had to contend with his diverse skill set, which made him a formidable left-arm fast bowler. On that fateful day in 1989, the West Indies faced the full brunt of his mastery. The match was finely balanced, with the West Indies needing 42 runs to win, holding five wickets in hand, and requiring less than seven runs per over.
Jeff Dujon took guard against Akram, who was delivering from round the wicket. The first delivery started outside the off-stump, catching Dujon's attention. However, the ball swung dramatically, homing in on Dujon's leg-stump, and dislodged the bails. The jubilant Pakistani crowd erupted in celebration.
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Malcolm Marshall strode to the crease, but Akram continued to bowl from round the wicket. The first ball to Marshall appeared to be a length delivery, tempting him to attempt a cover drive. Marshall, deceived by Akram's crafty delivery, was drawn forward, only for the ball to swing dramatically again and shatter his leg-stump.
Curtly Ambrose, another left-handed batsman, took his turn at the crease. Akram promptly switched to bowling over the wicket. Ambrose fell victim to a delivery that moved away from him, pitching on the middle stump and clipping the top of off. This was Akram's second hat-trick in which all three batsmen were clean bowled. Chetan Sharma had achieved the first such hat-trick during a 1987 World Cup match against New Zealand in Nagpur.
West Indies found themselves in dire straits. Carlisle Best was the lone warrior for his team. Earlier, Desmond Haynes' half-century (59) had given West Indies a promising start. Haynes and Richie Richardson shared an 85-run partnership for the second wicket, and at 117 for one, West Indies seemed well-positioned in the run chase. However, they lost Richardson, Keith Arthurton, and Haynes within the span of seven runs. Viv Richards, the West Indies captain, played an aggressive innings, scoring 46 off 45 balls and adding 61 runs for the fifth wicket. However, his dismissal gave Pakistan a glimmer of hope for victory.
Akram's fiery spell altered the course of the game dramatically. The hat-trick completely stalled West Indies' momentum, leaving them in awe of Akram's magical bowling.
For his figures of five for 38, Akram was rightfully awarded the man of the match.
The great Akram didn't stop there as his next ODI hat-trick arrived a year later, in May 1990, and once again, it bore Wasim Akram's name. This time, Australia, led by Allan Border, was on the receiving end in Sharjah. Akram unleashed his prowess, dismissing Merv Hughes, Carl Rackemann, and Terry Alderman, all clean bowled off consecutive deliveries.
Chasing a target of 267, Australia was bowled out for 230 in 46.5 overs.
Jalal-ud-Din of Pakistan was the first cricketer to achieve an ODI hat-trick, followed by Bruce Reid of Australia in 1986 (against New Zealand in Sydney) and Chetan Sharma of India in 1987 (against New Zealand in Nagpur). While Akram didn't record any more ODI hat-tricks, he did achieve two Test hat-tricks, both against Sri Lanka in the 1998-99 season, further cementing his status as one of cricket's greatest bowlers.
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