Pathan’s magic in Karachi: A hat-trick to remember in the first over

NEW DELHI: Irfan Pathan‘s hat-trick in the first over of the third Test against Pakistan in 2006 is a moment that remains etched in the annals of Indian cricket history. The match, held at Karachi’s National Stadium, witnessed Pathan pulling off a feat that no one other player than him had ever accomplished – a hat-trick in the very first over of a Test match.
India had gone into the match with high expectations, and Pathan, known for his ability to swing the ball both ways, was entrusted with the new ball on a pitch that offered some movement.

Pakistan’s openers, Salman Butt and Imran Farhat, faced the daunting task of navigating through Pathan’s probing deliveries. But what unfolded in the next few minutes stunned the entire cricketing world.
The First Wicket: The fourth ball of Pathan’s over was a full-length delivery that swung in sharply. Salman Butt, deceived by the movement, got an inside edge, and the ball flew straight into the safe hands of Rahul Dravid at first slip.

The Second Wicket: Buoyed by the early success, Pathan ran in with even more energy for the very next ball. This time, Younis Khan, Pakistan’s seasoned campaigner, walked in. Pathan unleashed a perfect inswinger that caught Younis off guard, trapping him plumb in front. Two wickets in two balls – it was magic unfolding.
The Hat-Trick Ball: With the crowd stunned and the Indian players sensing something special, Pathan prepared for the hat-trick ball.

Mohammad Yousuf

, another experienced Pakistani batsman, took guard. With ice in his veins, Pathan unleashed another ripper, a delivery that pitched perfectly in line and jagged back in. Yousuf, completely outfoxed, was left clueless as the ball sliced through the gap and smashed into the stumps. A hat-trick in the very first over of the match!
The scenes that followed were electric. The Indian team erupted in joy as Pathan, arms raised in triumph, was swarmed by his teammates. He became only the second Indian bowler to take a Test hat-trick after Harbhajan Singh, but the first to achieve it in the very first over of a match – a record that remains one of the most unique feats in Test cricket.
Despite Pakistan’s eventual victory in that Test, Pathan’s hat-trick became one of the most iconic moments in India-Pakistan cricket history, a testament to his skill and the magic of the game’s unpredictable nature.