Great Pakistani cricketer Salim Malik has played many impressive innings in during his carrier but his performance at Eden Gardens is termed as the most memorable and brilliant in the history of Pakistan cricket. This innings was witnessed during the one-day international match played between Pakistan and India on February 18, 1987.
During the match, India batted first and set a good target of 238 runs. This was a difficult score for the time, especially when the pressure of the Indian team was clear at Eden Gardens. The start of the Pakistan team was not good, and the team was in trouble after the early fall of wickets.
Salim Malik came to bat at number seven. Pakistan was in a critical condition, but the great Pakistani player adopted an unusually aggressive style. He took the Indian bowlers by the horns and played brilliant shots all over the ground. His batting showed the essence of self-confidence and finishing, which is the hallmark of any great player.
He played a lightning-fast innings of 72 runs in just 36 balls, which included 11 fours and a six. His stormy play turned the tide of the match. In the last overs, he made the Indian fast bowlers helpless, and thanks to his innings, Pakistan won the match in a thrilling manner.
This innings proved to be a memorable moment not only for Saleem Malik but also for the Pakistani team. His performance is still fresh in the minds of cricket fans and is considered one of the golden moments in the history of Pakistani cricket.
India’s innings
Score: 238/6 (50 overs)
Key batsmen:
Krishnamachari “Kris” Srikkanth: 123 runs (134 balls, 14 fours, 2 sixes)
Dilip Vengsarkar: 50 runs (61 balls, 3 fours)
Key bowlers:
Wasim Akram: 2/42 (10 overs)
Abdul Qadir: 2/47 (10 overs)
Pakistan’s innings
Score: 241/8 (49.4 overs)
Key batsmen:
Salem Malik: 72* runs (36 balls, 11 fours, 1 six)
Rameez Raja: 58 runs (67 balls, 6 fours)
Younis Ahmed: 58 runs (82 balls, 5 fours)
Key bowlers:
Kapil Dev: 2/43 (10 overs)
Manoj Prabhakar: 2/49 (9 overs)
Match Result
Pakistan won the match by 1 wicket.
Man of the Match: Saleem Malik (for his lightning pace and memorable innings)
This match is considered one of the most thrilling matches in Pakistan’s cricket history, especially due to Saleem Malik’s brilliant innings in the closing moments.
