OTD 1999: Anil Kumble became only the second bowler to pick 10 wickets in a Test innings

The world of cricket has seen some great spells over the years. But few could match what transpired at Kotla in 1999 when India took on Pakistan. It was on this day (February 7) in 1999 when a historical feat was achieved by the legendary spinner Anil Kumble as he became only the second bowler to scalp all 10 wickets in an innings.

Pakistan were leading the series after winning the first Test by 12 runs. The second Test also did not go to plan for India as they were bundled out for just 252 in the first innings. But the India came back well and bowled out Pakistan for 172 as Kumble made inroads and took four wickets. India then reached 339 and gave their arch-rivals a massive target of 420 runs on the back of the knocks of Sadagoppan Ramesh (96 off 227) and Sourav Ganguly (62 off 127*), 

However, the job was not over as Pakistan openers Shahid Afridi and Saeed Anwar formed a great partnership and kept their team's hopes alive. But the lanky leg-spinner had other plans as he worked his magic to create history. 

While most of the bowlers failed to make any breakthroughs, Kumble did the job single-handedly, scalping all the wickets to win the game for India. He ended the innings with magical figures of 10/74 in 26.3 overs, playing a key role in India's 212-run win. Kumble finished with overall figures of 14/149 in the match.  

The match marked one of the great moments of Kumble as he went on to break many records. The spinner became the first Indian and second international cricketer to take 10 wickets in an innings after English spinner Jim Laker. This was also the fourth-best figures for an Indian bowler in a Test, behind Narendra Hirwani, Harbhajan Singh, and Jasubhai Patel.