Pakistan's Mohammad Abbas has made history at Lord's, becoming the oldest Asian bowler to take a 5-wicket haul in an innings, surpassing India's Veeru Mandekar's long-standing record.
- Mohammad Abbas claimed 5 wickets in the second innings at Lord's.
- He broke Veeru Mandekar's 74-year-old record for the oldest Asian bowler to achieve this feat.
- England set a massive target of 389 runs for Pakistan.
- Star batter Babar Azam fell cheaply for just 6 runs.
In a historic moment at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground, Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Abbas has etched his name into the record books. During the fourth day of the second Test against England, Abbas delivered a masterclass in bowling, claiming a 5-wicket haul that surpassed a milestone held by Indian legend Veeru Mandekar for over seven decades.
A Milestone Beyond Decades
At the age of 36 years and 173 days, Mohammad Abbas became the oldest Asian bowler to take five wickets in a Test innings at Lord's. This feat eclipses the record set by India's Veeru Mandekar in 1952, who was 35 years and 71 days old at the time. Although Abbas was denied a 10-wicket match haul when Babar Azam run out Josh Tongue, his match figures of 9 wickets remain one of the finest performances by a Pakistani bowler at this venue.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that Abbas's performance provides a crucial psychological boost to a Pakistan side struggling with form. His ability to perform on English soil at an advanced age highlights the importance of experience in high-pressure Test cricket.
Abbas's historic achievement proves that longevity and tactical intelligence can overcome the raw pace of younger generations.
England's Stand and Pakistan's Collapse
England's second innings was bolstered by Dan Lawrence, whose 54 runs helped the hosts set a daunting target of 389. In response, Pakistan's top order crumbled under pressure. The team lost three wickets for just 14 runs, including the crucial dismissal of captain Babar Azam. Azam, struggling with a prolonged century drought that dates back to December 2022, was undone by a short ball from Jofra Archer, falling for just 6 runs.
The Resilience of Saud Shakeel
Amidst the early wreckage, Saud Shakeel and captain Shan Masood provided much-needed stability. Shakeel played a composed innings, reaching his 11th Test half-century (63 runs), marking his first fifty on English soil. The duo shared a vital 94-run partnership, keeping Pakistan in the hunt before rain interrupted the play.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who did Mohammad Abbas break the record of?
A: He broke the record of former Indian cricketer Veeru Mandekar.
Q2: How many runs did Babar Azam score in this innings?
A: Babar Azam scored only 6 runs off 8 balls.