Five memorable games at Karachi's National Stadium

Osman Samiuddin looks at the glorious past of Pakistan's most celebrated cricketing venue which has not seen any action for more than three years now.


Pakistan v India, 3rd Test, November 1978
A seminal series ended with a fantastic Pakistan win secured with just seven balls to spare. Imran Khan's express pace and smart stuff from Sarfaz Nawaz had left Pakistan needing 164 in 26 overs. Javed Miandad and Asif Iqbal steered the stiff chase before Imran finished it off in front of heaving crowds.

Pakistan v India, 3rd Test, January 2006
A first-over hat-trick from Irfan Pathan was neutralised by a fabled hundred from Kamran Akmal and a breakout bowling performance from Mohammad Asif to set up an emphatic series-clinching win. It was one of the high points of Pakistan's modern era.

Pakistan v India, 1st ODI, March 2004
The first full tour by India in nearly 15 years began with a crackerjack at Karachi. Nearly 45,000 squeezed in to witness a titanic battle which India eventually won as Pakistan failed by five runs to chase down 350. The atmosphere beat the result by much more.

Pakistan v Australia, 1st Test, September 1994
A thriller with a stellar cast of the Waugh twins, Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and more. Australia bossed the game until the very end when Inzamam-ul-Haq and Mushtaq Ahmed added 57 for the last wicket to chase down 314, still their highest successful Test chase.

Pakistan v England, 3rd Test, December 2000
A dull game for vast parts but with a remarkable and significant end, as it brought Pakistan their first-ever Test defeat at the stadium. It looked a draw until the last day when Ashley Giles spooked a Pakistan collapse. Then, as Pakistan wasted time, Graham Thorpe and Graeme Hick scripted a famous run-chase in the dark.