On This Day in 1999: Watch Kumble's Unforgettable 10-Wicket Magic Against Pakistan

History unfolded on this day in 1999, as Indian spinner Anil Kumble etched his name in cricket’s record books. Facing arch-rivals Pakistan in Delhi, Kumble delivered a spellbinding performance, becoming only the second bowler ever to claim 10 wickets in a single Test innings.

Dominating the action at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium (now Arun Jaitley Stadium), Kumble’s accuracy and control proved unstoppable. He ripped through the Pakistan batting order, bowling a mere 26.3 overs with 9 maidens, conceding just 74 runs. His incredible feat propelled India to a resounding 212-run victory.

Earlier in the match, India, after electing to bat, posted a modest 252 thanks to fifties from Sadagoppan Ramesh and Mohammad Azharuddin. Pakistan faltered in reply, bundled out for 172, handing India a crucial 80-run lead.

Ramesh continued his good form, scoring 96 in the second innings to help India reach 339. Chasing a stiff 419, Pakistan’s openers, Shahid Afridi and Saeed Anwar, provided a glimmer of hope with a century partnership. However, Kumble had other plans.

With the dismissal of Afridi, a dramatic collapse unfolded. Kumble, bowling with fire and precision, demolished the Pakistani batting line-up, taking the remaining nine wickets for a mere 106 runs. His unwavering spell sealed the match for India and etched his name into cricketing history.

Before Kumble, only England’s Jim Laker had achieved the feat of 10 wickets in an innings, back in 1956. While Kumble remained the lone Indian in this elite club for over two decades, New Zealand’s Ajaz Patel joined the ranks in 2021.

Despite Patel’s remarkable effort, his team couldn’t prevent India from securing a decisive win and completing a series clean sweep.