Top 5 bowling performances in international cricket by Lakshmipathy Balaji

#3 5/76 vs Pakistan at Mohali, 2005

Balaji took 5 wickets in the first innings of the Mohali Test in 2005

Pakistan were touring India in 2005 and the opening Test of the series was held at Mohali. Pakistan were off to a shaky start in the first innings and were reeling at 30/2 before Taufeeq Umar and Inzamam-ul-Haq started to rebuild the Pakistan innings by putting up a 59-run partnership for the third wicket.

Balaji eventually broke the partnership by bowling out Taufeeq Umar. Pakistan tried to bounce back but Balaji’s performance with the ball never really allowed them to do so. Eventually, Balaji took his first and only five-wicket haul in Tests and ended with career-best figures of 5/76 as Pakistan were dismissed for 312.

India responded well in their first innings by putting up a total of 516 thanks to Virender Sehwag’s 173. However, Pakistan batted strongly in the second innings and declared at 496/9 which was enough to draw the match.

Balaji returned with figures of 95/4 in the second innings.

Even though India weren’t able to win the Test match, Balaji’s 9-wicket haul was impressive and one to remember.