Saqlain Mushtaq reveals fear of bowling 'doosra' to Sachin Tendulkar in Chennai 1999 Test

Many India vs Pakistan cricket matches over years have hardly been short of drama. Over years, both teams have produced several memorable moments that are still etched in minds of cricketing fans. One such unforgettable nail-biting thriller was played in Chennai in 1999 when India hosted Pakistan in first Test match of two-Test series.

ALSO READ | Sachin Tendulkar interacts with 12,000 doctors on sport injuries

India vs Pakistan: Saqlain Mushtaq opens up on 1999 Chennai Test

Chasing 271, Indian team was reeling at 81/5 but Sachin Tendulkar stood tall for India as he played an amazing kck of 136 to bring India closer to victory. With 17 runs required, chase was going smooth for India before Saqlain Mushtaq dismissed Sachin Tendulkar and n cleared tail quickly. Pakistan ended up winning match by 12 runs and Saqlain Mushtaq finished with 10 wickets in that match.

ALSO READ | Ian Chappell cites Sachin Tendulkar, Redpath's examples to win battle against COVID-19

On Sunday, Saqlain Mushtaq opened up on thrilling match in an Instagram live session with Sportstar. Saqlain Mushtaq said that it had been 21 years and he still remembers that game. He furr said that God was on his side that day and added that while he did t think that he would get Sachin Tendulkar out but when God has plans, one can’t beat that. Saqlain Mushtaq also said that till his last breath, it will give him eugh pride that he could dismiss Sachin Tendulkar that day and added that his name will always be connected to Little Master's.

Saqlain Mushtaq furr said that re was a time when Sachin Tendulkar was sparing one and was playing beautifully. So, Saqlain Mushtaq walked up to Wasim Akram ( n Pakistan captain) to tell him that it was getting tough for bowlers to tackle Sachin Tendulkar and psychologically, he was feeling a bit down.

ALSO READ | Prithvi Shaw opens up on Sachin Tendulkar comparisons, thanks Rahul Dravid & Ricky Ponting

conversation with Wasim Akram helped Saqlain Mushtaq. Saqlain Mushtaq said that Wasim Akram had full faith in him and he believed that he could do something magical for team. He added that those words by Wasim Akram helped him and he suddenly felt stronger. He said that he conceded a few boundaries but eventually got Sachin Tendulkar out.

Saqlain Mushtaq also admitted that dismissing Sachin Tendulkar wasn't easy at all. He said Tendulkar had sharp eyes and he could read everything, which was intimidating. Mushtaq also admitted that he was scared to bowl him doosra fearing that he might hit boundaries. He concluded saying that with God’s grace, he could send him packing.

In same interview, Mushtaq also praised ar former Indian cricket captain Anil Kumble, for being a source of guidance for him when duo played county cricket nearly 20 years ago in England. Mushtaq revealed that it was Kumble who helped him fix his eye problems by recommending to him an ophthalmologist in London he himself had visited along with his former teammate and current BCCI President Sourav Ganguly. 

ALSO READ | Sachin Tendulkar reacts to fan posting rare video of 1998 ODI ton vs Australia in India

IM COURTESY: PTI