On This Day In 2006: Irfan Pathan's Hat-Trick Rocks Pakistan In Karachi

On This Day In 2006 Cricket: Irfan Pathan’s career may be remembered for moments of unfulfilled potential, but January 29, 2006, remains a defining day. In the Karachi Test against arch-rivals Pakistan, Pathan became the first bowler to take a Test hat-trick in the very first over of a match, leaving fans and players stunned.

The Match Context

The series had seen two drawn Tests in Lahore and Faisalabad. For the decider in Karachi, Pakistan prepared a green-tinged pitch to aid their seamers. Indian captain Rahul Dravid won the toss and chose to bowl, putting faith in the young left-arm pacer to exploit the early conditions.

The Historic Hat-Trick

After a few sighters, Irfan dismissed opener Salman Butt, edging to Dravid at slip. The magic continued with inswingers to Mohammad Yusuf and

Younis Khan, who failed to defend against Pathan’s skillful deliveries.

The final wicket of the hat-trick saw Yusuf misjudge a delivery outside off-stump, and the ball crashed onto the stumps. The stadium erupted as Pathan’s teammates lifted him in celebration, his young face reflecting pure disbelief and joy.

Aftermath

Despite the dream start, India lost the match and the series 0-1. Irfan’s achievement joined Harbhajan Singh’s record as one of India’s earliest Test hat-tricks, later matched by Jasprit Bumrah in 2019.

Legacy

This hat-trick remains one of the most iconic moments in India-Pakistan Test cricket, showcasing Pathan’s talent and the thrill of rivalry at its peak.