On this day in 1999: Saqlain Mushtaq bags World Cup hat-trick
Registering a World Cup hat-trick is a dream for any bowler and only a few of them are privileged enough to find a mention on this honorary list. One of them is the iconic Pakistan off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq, who is known as the inventor of ‘Doosra’.
Saqlain was in his prime form during the late 90s and early 2000s as he bamboozled the best in the business as the batters literally failed to pick his deliveries on countless occasions. Among them is a memorable hat-trick against Zimbabwe during a World Cup 1999 encounter on this very day.
When Saqlain Mushtaq tormented Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe were one of the strong teams in the 1999 World Cup and had beaten quality sides like India and South Africa. A determined Pakistan faced them in the Super Six encounter at the Oval. Pakistan posted a competitive total of 271/9 from their 50 overs after winning a good toss and batting first courtesy of a brilliant 103 from opener Saeed Anwar.
Zimbabwe in reply made a statement with Neil Johnson’s fighting 54. Unfortunately for them, he was the lone warrior and was completely let down by the batters who failed to show any resistance against a lethal Pakistani bowling attack.
Saqlain Mushtaq came forward to show his capabilities and piled misery on Zimbabwe by taking their last three wickets. On the first delivery of the 41st over, he completely deceived Henry Olonga as attempted to take the bowler to the cleaners by advancing down the wicket. The batter missed and wicketkeeper Moin Khan completed an easy stumping.
On the next delivery, Saqlain gave the same treatment to newcomer Adam Huckle, who decided to go for glory but went out of his crease only to miss the ball as stumper Moin did the rest.
Finally, he set number 11 batter Pommie Mbangwa beautifully by bowling on his leg which came back in sharply after pitching. He decided to work it on the leg-side, but the ball made no contact with his bat and hit the pads. There was a huge appeal from the Pakistani players and the umpire signaled out. Thus, Zimbabwe were bundled out for just 123 and the Men in Green registered a comprehensive 148-run victory.
