The great escape at Bridgetown: When Pakistan’s Hanif Mohammad batted four days to save an epic Test | Cricket News
Every cricket team is known for a certain style. Australia is often linked with an aggressive approach and playing hard until the final ball. India is associated with its long line of top-class batters, from Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar to Virat Kohli. Pakistan is usually remembered for producing fast bowlers, from Imran Khan to Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar.But before Pakistan became known for fast bowling, before the era of Imran Khan, Javed Miandad and Inzamam-ul-Haq, there was Hanif Mohammad. He was not quick in scoring or flashy in style. His strength lay in patience and time spent at the crease.On many occasions, Hanif stood between Pakistan and defeat. No innings explains his role better than what he produced in the first Test of Pakistan’s 1958 tour of the West Indies.The match was played in January 1958 (17 – 23 Jan, 1958) at Bridgetown, Barbados. Pakistan, still new to Test cricket, were playing their first Test against the West Indies. The home side’s batting line-up put Pakistan under pressure from the start. Conrad Hunte scored 142 on debut and struck 50 of the first 55 runs of the innings, even though Rohan Kanhai was batting at the other end. Everton Weekes made 197, the final century of his career. Collie Smith and Garry Sobers scored half-centuries, while Clyde Walcott added 43.
Pakistan handed a debut to Nasim-ul-Ghani, who became the youngest Test cricketer at that time at 16 years and 248 days, but he went wicketless. West Indies finished their first innings on 579.Pakistan were bowled out for 106 in the first innings, and were asked to follow on, trailing by 473 runs. Hanif Mohammad walked out to open the second innings on the third afternoon. Remember this was a six-day Test match, and for Pakistan to avoid defeat, they would need to bat for almost four full days. Saving the match appeared beyond reach.Hanif relied on his ability to focus. The pitch was wearing, the bowling hostile, and local umpires were in charge. The ball often rose sharply. Hanif kept his head still and watched the ball closely. There were no helmets, his pads were thin, and he had no arm guard. A rolled hotel towel served as a thigh pad.West Indies attacked with the swing of Eric Atkinson, the pace of Roy Gilchrist, and the spin of Collie Smith and Alf Valentine. Gilchrist, known for his run-up, pace and action, led the short-ball attack.Hanif ended the rest day (after the second day of the Test) on five not out. His captain Abdul Kardar left him a brief note that read: “You are our only hope.”By stumps on Day 3, Hanif had reached 61, choosing not to hook Gilchrist’s bouncers. Over the next three days, he stayed at the crease. On the fourth day, he scored exactly 100 runs while Pakistan lost only one wicket. On the fifth day, despite bruised thighs and sunburn that caused skin under his eyes to peel, he continued. During breaks, he sat quietly in the dressing room and ate a piece of chicken. At the close of play on Day 5, he was on 270 and Pakistan had taken a small lead.On the sixth day, Hanif slowed down and added 67 more runs before he was dismissed for 337. Pakistan were then 153 runs ahead. When Kardar declared at 657 for eight, the lead stood at 184, with only 11 overs left in the match. The Test was saved.Hanif’s innings included 26 fours, 16 threes, 40 twos and 105 singles. He batted for 970 minutes, though he later believed it was 999 minutes. He shared century partnerships with four players, including his brother Wazir Mohammad. Pakistan declared on 657 for eight, and the match ended in a draw.The innings concluded on this day, January 23, in 1958. It remains the longest individual innings in Test cricket by time spent at the crease and stands as Hanif Mohammad’s defining act of resistance.
