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Pakistani Spinner Sajid Khan makes history with record bowling figures in just his fourth test

 

Pakistan's test-off spinner Sajid Khan made history by posting the best numbers in test cricket history by a Pakistani off-spinner when he sacked 8 Bangladeshi batter in the first innings of the second Test match. His numbers are also the fourth best by a Pakistani bowler in Test cricket.

Previously, the record for the best pieces by a Pakistani off-spinner was held by Saqlain Mushtaq when he voted 8/164 against England in 2000. The record for the best bowling figures by a Pakistani bowler in a test inning is held by the late Abdul Qadir as he finished in 1987 with 9/56 against England.

Here are a Pakistani off-spinner's best numbers in an inning:

Player  Figures  Opposition Venue  Date
Sajid Khan   8/42 Bangladesh  Dhaka Dec 2021
Saqlain Mushtaq 8/164   England Lahore  Nov 2000
Saeed Ajmal  7/55 England  Dubai Jan 2012
Saqlain Mushtaq  7/66 Zimbabwe   Bulawayo Nov 2002
Saeed Ajmal   7/95 Zimbabwe  Harare Sep 2013

Sajid collected 8 wickets for 42 runs while Pakistan dismantled Bangladesh for 87 runs in their first innings. Bangladesh must follow in the second innings and face a tie in the friendly on day five. Sajids 8/42 is also the best of a Pakistani bowler against Bangladesh.

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The 28-year-old's terrific performance was the best bowling performance by an off-spinner in test cricket since the numbers of the Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan of 9/51 against Zimbabwe in 2002.

The off-spinner terrorized the Bangladesh Batters on the fourth day of the test with only spinners allowed to bowl in Dhaka due to the poor light. Sajid removed Bangladesh's top order and picked up 6 wickets at the end of the fourth day before picking up 2 wickets at the start of the game on the fifth day.

Sajid picked up 14 wickets at an average of 19.42 in just his fourth test. The off-spinner will be determined to complete the Bangladesh hitting session on the final day to give Pakistan the maximum number of points for the series in the World Test Championship and a brilliant series win.