6 instances over the last decade when more than 20 wickets fell in a single day of a Test
Test cricket is all about taking 20 wickets, and no matter how many runs are plundered, the result boils down to the ability of the bowlers to bowl out the opposition twice. Hence, it is no surprise that a Test match springs to life when the bowlers rule the roost.
Over the years, there have been instances when bowlers have dominated proceedings to such an extent that the batsmen have been reduced to fleeing objects on the cricket field. More often than not, this is due to the fact that the pitches have offered exaggerated assistance to the bowlers, but then irrespective of all the assistance it is the skill and the pedigree of the bowlers which come to the fore.
Here in this list, we take a look at 6 such occasions over the past 10 years when 20 or more than 20 wickets have fallen.
#1 Sri Lanka v Pakistan, 2nd Test, 2006
It was a match dominated by bowlers, but gritty half-centuries by Younus Khan and Imran Farhat saw Pakistan home by 8 wickets late in the 3rd day.
On a pitch which was tailor made for the bowlers, hosts Sri Lanka were 267 for eight at the end of the first day, which was a respectable total in the rather hostile conditions for the batsmen.
However, on the second day, the match jumped into frenetic mode as Mohammad Asif claimed the remaining wickets. However, Muttiah Muralitharan then assumed centre stage as he picked up 5 wickets for just 39 runs. Pakistan lost their last eight wickets for only 49 runs.
Sri Lanka started their second innings with a lead of 109 runs but were sliced through by an Asif spell and they ended the day at 73 runs for 8 wickets.
All in all, a total of 20 wickets fell in the day's play. Pakistan won the match by 8 wickets, thanks mainly to the composed innings of Younus and Farhat.