On this day in 2012: Pakistan skittle England for just 72 runs in Abu Dhabi

There is a reason why the sport is so heart racing. It is so unpredictable; the fortunes can change in a jiffy and nothing can be foretold until the game is actually over. Let us go and revisit a topsy turvy Test match that took place nine years back, in the land of Abu Dhabi, between England and Pakistan that concluded on January 28th 2012.

At the end of the first innings of the Test, the match was in England’s grip. Pakistan had won the toss and decided to bat first. But then, except Misbah-ul-Haq and Asad Shafiq, none of the other Pakistan batsmen stood up to the task. While skipper Misbah top-scored with 84, Shafiq chipped in with a vital 58 for his side, as Pakistan were bowled out for just 257 in their first innings. To give a snapshot of the Pakistan batting performance, as many as eight of their willow wielders could not even cross the 30-run mark.

In reply, Sir Alistair Cook and Jonathan Trott were involved in a solid 139-run stand for the second wicket for England. While Cook scored a classy 94, Trott scored a valuable 74, as England ended their first innings with 327 on the board. Trailing by 70 runs, Pakistan needed their batsmen to step up in the second innings.

But yet again, the Pakistan batsmen flattered to deceive in the second essay as well. Except for Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq, who scored 68 and 43 respectively, none of the other Pakistan batsmen contributed significantly, as Pakistan scored just 214 in the second innings. That meant that England would need to score just 145 runs for victory.

Well, many would have possibly thought that the Test match was over and England would canter home with ease. But then, both cricket and Pakistan are unpredictable. Abdur Rehman wreaked havoc in the second innings with the ball, as England found the crafty left-arm spinner absolutely unplayable. Rehman bowled 10.1 overs, gave away just 25 runs, but importantly, picked up 6 wickets in the second innings, as England suffered a sensational second innings batting collapse.

Nine of their batsmen could not even score in double digits and the English side was bowled out for just 72. Rehman was ably supported by Saeed Ajmal, who picked up 3 wickets, as Pakistan recorded a stunning come from behind victory in Abu Dhabi, winning the match by 72 runs. Abdur Rehman and the whole of Pakistan will remember the date January 28th 2012, with a sense of great nostalgia.