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Balls of fire - When Pathan rocked Pakistan

Irfan's sensational hat-trick

Anand Vasu
Anand Vasu
29-Jan-2006
In a sensational start to the third Test, Irfan Pathan swung balls of fire that scorched the Pakistan top order. Here is a ball-by-ball account of his first over where he rocked Pakistan.
0.1Pathan to Salman Butt, no run, just short of a good length and on the middle and leg, a bit of swing away from the left-handed Butt, defended awkwardly, the ball loops back down the pitch off the edge.
0.2Pathan to Salman Butt, no run, short of a good length and far outside the off stump, left well alone to the keeper, a bit of swing there.
0.3 Pathan to Salman Butt, no run, and another one short of a length and outside the off swinging away appreciably, left well alone by Butt.
India attacking with three slips and a gully.
0.4 Pathan to Salman Butt, OUT: fuller this time and on the off, the ball swings late and Butt plays at it tentatively. The ball takes the edge and goes towards slip. Rahul Dravid dives low and takes a sharp catch!
India have got off to the best possible start! Pakistan have lost their first wicket without a single run on the board! Rahul Dravid will already be breathing easier about his decision to field first. That is a great start for India in this decisive Test match. Younis Khan is the new batsman.
0.5Pathan to Younis Khan, OUT: full and on the stumps, this one swings in very late, that is a perfectly pitched delivery and it nails Younis lbw right in front of the stumps! India are on fire!
Pakistan in dire straits here at two wickets down without a run on the board. What a start for the Indian team and Irfan Pathan, who is on a hat-trick! Just a bit more for the bowlers and what a difference it makes! Mohammad Yousuf is facing the hat-trick ball. Three slips and two gullies in place
0.6 Pathan to Mohammad Yousuf, OUT: Got him! Sensational stuff at the National Stadium! Mohammad Yousuf bowled through the gate by a pearl of an inswinger! That one came in superbly after pitching outside off stump and shattered the stumps!

Anand Vasu is assistant editor of Cricinfo