3) Waqar Younis – 1989, Karachi
In a Test match that most historians and fans remember for the debut of Sachin Tendulkar, a teenager with fire in his belly and yorkers in his DNA also stepped into the cauldron of international cricket. An 18-year-old Waqar Younis played his first Test match against arch-rivals and neighbours India, one day before his birthday on November 16th. The Pakistani team was led by Imran Khan while the Indian team’s reigns were in the hands of the charming Kris Srikkanth.
The Pakistani team was full of talent and boasted of a stunning bowling attack comprising Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, Abdul Qadir and debutant Waqar, who did not get much action straight away as the home side batted first. He did go out to bat in the first innings but spent lesser time on the wicket than he did while taking guard, getting dismissed by Manoj Prabhakar for nought.
However, his skills lay with the red cherry and Younis showed signs of that bustling fire and tremendous ability, which would make him one of the greatest in coming years. He put in a stunning debut performance, picking up four wickets in 19 overs including that of a 16-year-old Sachin Tendulkar, who was castled by Waqar after a scratchy innings of 15. The match ended in a draw and also marked the arrival of two of cricket’s biggest future superstars.
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