Captain Kardar acknowledges cheers.

August 17, 1954.
On their first visit to England, the young Pakistan team clinched a fantastic victory at The Oval and squared the series against one of the strongest England sides of all time. Arunabha Sengupta looks back at the match that saw Fazal Mahmood perform one of the greatest fast bowling feats in history.

On Their First Attempt

It took the West Indians 22 years, the South Africans 28, the Indians 39, and the New Zealanders a whopping 55 years. Pakistan, however, managed to beat England in their very first series in the Old Country, in their fourth Test in the land, sharing the series during the summer of 1954.

The Unpredictable Outcome

Led by the unparalleled Len Hutton, England’s batting included Denis Compton, Tom Graveney, and Peter May. Their bowling was just as formidable, with Brian Statham, Johnny Wardle, Bob Appleyard, Frank Tyson, Alec Bedser, Jim Laker, Roy Tattersall, and Trevor Bailey all featuring at various points in the series.

Despite this, Pakistan’s victory was remarkable. Only one man, Alf Gover, voiced that the young team could win a Test on the tour. Even the High Commissioner of Pakistan, MA Ispahani, had low expectations.

The Test Matches

Pakistan did well enough in early matches, but the Test matches were a different story. Rain and England’s formidable bowling line-up led to early struggles. Yet, a combination of resilience, inspired play, and favorable weather helped Pakistan to historic success.

Fazal Mahmood’s Heroics

Fazal Mahmood’s bowling was pivotal. On the third day of the final Test, he took 6 for 53 in England’s first innings, ensuring a slender lead for Pakistan. His continued excellence in the second innings, along with the crucial runs from Wazir Mohammad and others, set the stage for a dramatic victory.

The Final Day

England needed just 168 runs to win, with Fazal dismissing key batsmen and pressure mounting on England’s lower order. In a tense finish, Hanif Mohammad ran out McConnon to secure a 24-run victory for Pakistan.

Brief Scores:

Pakistan:
– First Innings: 133 (Frank Tyson 4 for 35)
– Second Innings: 164 (Wazir Mohammad 42*; Johnny Wardle 7 for 56)

England:
– First Innings: 130 (Denis Compton 53; Fazal Mahmood 6 for 53, Mahmood Hussain 4 for 58)
– Second Innings: 143 (Peter May 53; Fazal Mahmood 6 for 46)

Result: Pakistan won by 24 runs.