Irfan Pathan, originally from Baroda, Gujarat, was labeled as India’s upcoming all-rounder, following in Kapil Dev’s footsteps, in the beginning, days of his international cricket career. Pathan started his career as a fast-medium swing and seam bowler and quickly joined the national team at 19. Irfan Pathan’s impressive performances and swing were compared to Pakistan’s Wasim Akram.
One of the biggest moments in a bowler’s cricketing career is when he takes a Test hat-trick. And if it is against the arch-rivals, that too in the first over of a Test match – it is the icing on top.
In 2006, during India’s tour in Pakistan, India won the toss and decided to field first. Irfan Pathan came in to bowl the first over. The batters couldn’t score a single run in the first 3 deliveries. However, what happened in the next three deliveries is something Irfan Pathan and Indian cricket fans will never forget in a lifetime.
The left-arm swing bowler produced three sensational deliveries on the last three balls of the over to dismiss Salman Butt, Younis Khan, and Mohammad Yousuf. Pakistan was left limping with 0 runs on the board and their top order back in the pavilion. Taking a hat trick in the first over of a test match was certainly a dream come true moment for Pathan.
Here is the video of his spectacular hat-trick against Pakistan; take a look.