Last Updated:
On This Day In 2008: Chasing a target of 413, Australia were bundled at 340 runs in the second innings.
Irfan Pathan was awarded the Player of the Match for his all-around performance. (Image for representation: irfanpathan_official/Instagram)
India delivered a brilliant all-around show to deny Australia a consecutive 17th Test win on this day, January 19, 2008, in Perth. India claimed a 72-run victory in the third Test at the WACA. Irfan Pathan was adjudged Player of the Match for his terrific all-round performance.
Chasing a target of 413, the hosts were bundled at 340 runs in the second innings. The win in the Perth Test helped India stay alive in the series. The visitors, however, failed to win the series, losing 2-1 to the Aussies. As Indian cricket celebrates a memorable win today, we take a look back at the Perth Test.
Wasim Jaffer and Virender Sehwag stitched an opening partnership of 57 runs in the first innings for India. Sehwag was the first to be dismissed on 29 runs off 58 balls. Rahul Dravid produced a terrific 93-run innings to help India post a respectable total.
Sachin Tendulkar also appeared to be in fine touch, scoring 71 runs in the first innings. Irfan Pathan contributed with the bat significantly down the order scoring 28 runs. India’s first innings ended at 330.
Mitchell Johnson claimed four wickets to emerge as Australia’s best performer in the first innings. Brett Lee earned three scalps in the first innings.
Australia, in response, did not have a promising outing, and they were all out at 212. Andrew Symonds was their highest scorer with 66 runs. Wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist played a handy knock of 55. RP Singh bagged four wickets in the first innings. Irfan Pathan, Ishant Sharma and Anil Kumble supported, each picking two wickets in the first innings.
In the second innings, Irfan Pathan was promoted to the batting order and the all-rounder did not disappoint. Coming down to bat at number three, Pathan scored 46 facing 64 balls. His knock comprised six boundaries. VVS Laxman played a solid innings of 79. India’s second innings came to an end at 294, thus setting a target of 413 for the hosts.
Indian bowlers once again came up with a brilliant display and successfully thwarted Australia from achieving the target. Despite half-centuries by Michael Clarke and Mitchell Johnson, Australia managed to score just 340 in the second innings. Irfan Pathan claimed three wickets in the second innings to guide India to a memorable triumph in Perth.
