5 allrounders from Asia posting 50+ in an innings and taking 10 wickets in the same Test
The first country to be granted Test status from the Asian subcontinent was India in the year 1932. Following the independence of Pakistan in 1947, they got to play as a separate nation from the year 1952. Over the years Pakistan and India have been considered the superior of the Asian sides and has been major contenders in World cricket. They have produced some exceptional all-rounders who have left a major impact on the game.
Moving on from India and Pakistan one more Asian team who have made a significant impact in international cricket is Sri Lanka. Awarded Test status in the year 1982, Sri Lanka, from underdogs, became serious contenders in World cricket from the 90s.
Here we bring you 5 all rounders from Asia who has taken 10 wickets and scored a half-century in the same Test match:
#5 Dilruwan Perera (10/99 and 64 vs Australia at Galle 2016)
Sri Lanka came into the match 1-0 up in the 3 match series and Australia were looking to make a comeback in the series and set their dismal subcontinental record straight.
Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews won the toss and opted to bat. In spin friendly conditions Mitchell Starc bowled his heart out and picked up 5 wickets. Kusal Mendis the centurion from the previous match again played a terrific innings scoring 86. Mathews chipped in with a half-century as Sri Lanka posted a decent 281 in their 1st innings.
It was a horrendous batting performance by the Aussies as they were unable to tackle the Sri Lankan spinners. Rangana Herath and Dilruwan Perera bowled in perfect areas and got enough assistance from the pitch to unsettle the Australian batsmen. Herath and Perera both picked up 4 wickets each as Australia were dismissed for a paltry 106.
Sri Lanka started their 2nd innings 175 runs ahead and though it was still the 2nd day of the Test match, the Sri Lankans took the positive approach and started scoring quick runs in their 2nd essay. Dilruwan Perera top-scored for the Sri Lankans with a stroke-filled 64 hitting 7 fours and 2 sixes in the process. When the Sri Lankans were bowled out for 237, the Aussies were left to chase an unlikely victory target of 412.
They lost 3 quick wickets in the last 6 overs of the 2nd day and were tottering at 10/3. When the 2nd day began, the writing was on the wall and it was a foregone conclusion after Sri Lanka got the wicket of Steven Smith. Dilruwan Perera was outstanding and kept bowling in the right areas. The Australians were literally bamboozled by the talented spinner as they were bundled out for 183. It was the 8th consecutive defeat for Australia in the subcontinent and the victory for Sri Lanka ensured they took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the 3 match series.