Inzamam Ul Haq, predominantly known for his instrumental batting skills, marked an unusual record in international cricket that often surprises many — he claimed a wicket off the very first ball he bowled. This quirky incident adds a delightful twist to the illustrious career of one of Pakistan's cricketing legends.
Inzamam’s primary role in the team was that of a batsman, and a prolific one at that. Over his career, he made significant contributions with the bat, amassing over 11,000 runs in ODIs and nearly 9,000 in Tests, with his sturdy and calm demeanor at the crease being a hallmark of his playing style. Yet, despite his predominantly batting-oriented career, he occasionally rolled his arm over to bowl some part-time off-spin — a sight less frequent but equally entertaining.
The incident of Inzamam taking a wicket with his first delivery in international cricket occurred during an ODI. It was during the Nehru Cup of 1991 against Sri Lanka in Pune that Inzamam was handed the ball, a decision possibly taken more out of experiment than expectation. The delivery, possibly as much a surprise to Inzamam as it was to the batsman, was successful in getting a wicket. Asrar Ahmed, the batsman, was caught by Moin Khan, marking a memorable moment in Inzamam’s varied cricketing portfolio.
Though his bowling statistics wouldn't make headlines — having captured just a handful of wickets in both forms of the game — the uniqueness of his debut delivery remains a noteworthy anecdote. It highlights the unpredictability and charm of cricket, where often, players find themselves celebrating unexpected feats.
Inzamam's legacy, heavily defined by his batting prowess, leadership, and key roles in Pakistan's cricketing successes, beautifully encapsulates this rare bowling achievement. It serves as a reminder that in the realm of sports, sometimes the most enduring moments come not from routine play, but from the surprises that athletes like Inzamam can provide — even with just a single ball.
