00:00In the golden October of 1997, under the watchful skies of Rawalpindi, Pakistan Spin's
00:06maestro Sekhlein Mushtaq delivered a spellbinding performance that echoed the artistry of classical
00:13offspin.
00:14Balling with variation, crit, and unshakable temperament, Sekhlein Mushtaq sent ripples
00:19through the South African batting order during the first test of the three-match series.
00:23Crafting a marathon spell that spanned a staggering 62 hours, Sekhlein Mushtaq showcased
00:29the hallmark of a true test-matched artisan, patience and precision, with subtle variation
00:34and that legendary Dusrah hidden in his sleeve.
00:38He snared five wickets for 129 runs, removing some of the South Africa's finest best men.
00:44His victim included the resolute Gary Christons, the promising Adam Bakker, the world-style
00:50Jack Vizcalis, and the stylish Darrell Cullinan, and the dependable Brian McMillan.
00:55His dismissal was a testament to Sekhlein Mushtaq's ability to outthink his opponent, turning the
01:01ball on a surface that offered little assistance.
01:04Although the match and eventually the series ended in a draw 0-0, Sekhlein Mushtaq's efforts
01:11stood tall amidst the deadlock, a beacon of brilliance in a contest that lacked a result but not quality.
01:18So sit back and savor the nostalgia of vintage exhibitions of classical off-spin balling,
01:24delivered by one of Pakistan's finest craftsmen with the ball.
01:27Now there'll be an appeal, and up goes their finger, and that is the first wicket to go down.
01:39Adam Bakker pushing forward is caught in front of the wicket on the offside, fully justifying
01:46the feel, I suppose, that we were just talking about.
01:49Well, yeah, the silly point is a pretty, uh, orthodox position anyway for an off-spin.
01:55It's the second slip that I'm a bit concerned about, not being at short leg.
01:58But that is the end of Adam Bakker, there's a definite two noises we heard.
02:03Here it is, nice sharp catch, diving to his right, the fickle finger of fate, 107 for one.
02:13South Africa and Adam Bakker out for 50 in 142 deliveries with just three fours.
02:20This is going to be close, yes, he's given him, strapped on the back foot.
02:29That ball just spun it off, and would have hit Midland next up.
02:35So fine innings from Callis comes to an end, and Pakistan get the breakthrough.
02:41He's gone, lovely piece of bowling.
03:06So Saklain Moustak has stuck twice in a couple of overs, opening up the left-handed Kirsten,
03:15and a simple catch to Gully.
03:18So Kirsten goes for 98, and South Africa lose their third wicket.
03:23This one sharply turned for Saklain, really, and a nice easy catch to Ejaz.
03:36That is what Pakistan is looking for.
03:38Kirsten has been the mainstay so far this innings for South Africa.
03:42And Saklain has, Saklain has done it, 228 for three.
03:48Peel for LBW, and he's been given out.
03:58Now, I think there'll be a little bit of concern about this.
04:02To my mind, that might have pitched outside leg stump with the naked eye,
04:07but umpire Atta had different ideas.
04:14Let's take a close look.
04:17And Cullinan is out.
04:19Round the wicket, pitched outside and bounced.
04:24I can't think that that's a very good decision.
04:27Well, I would go further to say that's a quite awful decision, quite frankly.
04:32And Cullinan looks back in disgust.
04:36But he's out for 16, three boundaries in just under an hour at the wicket.
04:41More on the front foot here in Pakistani soil.
04:45He's out.
04:49Well, it's the sweep that has been his downfall a few times.
04:54And he goes to sweep there.
04:56And it just loops up to the slip over the head of the wicket keeper.
05:01And Brian Macmillan is out and has failed again in a test match in these parts.
05:08And South Africa have now lost their sixth wicket.
05:12Yes, as mentioned earlier, Cullinan tempting again with a sweep shop.
05:20But this time he completely miscued it.
05:23And five wickets for Cullinan.
05:25How well he has bowled.
05:26He's really maintaining his one-day form.
05:29And six for 292.
05:33Although the match ended in a draw,
05:36it marked proud personal milestones for Cullinan Mushtaq,
05:39who delivered a marathon spell with unfavoring control and classical precision.
05:44His long and tidy efforts stood out as the beacon of resilience and skill.
05:49The final day brought a touch of the royal charm to Rawalpindi.
05:53As Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edenburg,
05:56visiting Pakistan to mark its 50th anniversary,
05:59graced the ground during the tea interval.
06:02Their presence electrified the atmosphere.
06:05And for once, the usually quiet stadium swelled with life.
06:0815,000 spectators filled the stands, admitted free of charge,
06:13replacing the typical hush with cheers and celebration.
06:16It was a rare and unforgettable scene.
06:18One where cricket met history under the Rawalpindi sun.
06:22In the end, Cullinan Mushtaq's spell in Rawalpindi was more than just figures on a scorecard.
06:28It was a testament to his endurance, mastery, and calm under pressure.
06:32Balling 62 overs with unwavering discipline,
06:35he reminded the cricketing world of the beauty of classical half-spin.
06:40Although the match had no results, Cullinan Mushtaq's five-wicket hall stood as the shining highlight.
06:45An effort carved into the rich tapestry of Pakistan's Test history.
06:50If you liked this video, please comment, share, and subscribe.
06:53Thank you very much.
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