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The rivalry between India and Pakistan has given cricket some unforgettable moments, but its Test history began in Delhi in October 1952. When the two sides met for their first-ever Test series, there was more than a match at stake. It was the beginning of a cricket rivalry that would grow into one of the most closely followed contests in the sport.
The first Test began on October 16 at Feroz Shah Kotla, now known as Arun Jaitley Stadium. Two days later, India had already made history, defeating Pakistan by an innings and 70 runs. At the heart of that victory was Vinoo Mankad, who produced a bowling performance Pakistan struggled to answer.
India won the toss and chose to bat, finishing their first innings at 372. Vijay Hazare scored 76, while Hemu Adhikari remained unbeaten on 81. Ghulam Ahmed also contributed a valuable 50, helping India recover from early setbacks and put a substantial total on the board. Pakistan had to work hard for their runs, and once Mankad found his rhythm, the innings began to fall apart. He bowled 47 overs, including 27 maidens, and conceded only 52 runs while taking eight wickets. Pakistan were dismissed for 150, with Hanif Mohammad top-scoring with 51. Mankad had ripped through the batting order, and India were in a commanding position. Pakistan were forced to follow on, leaving them with the difficult task of batting again just to make India work for the win. Pakistan showed some resistance in their second innings, particularly through Imtiaz Ahmed, who scored 41, and captain Abdul Hafeez Kardar, who remained unbeaten on 43. But Mankad was not finished. He took another five wickets for 79 runs, giving him an extraordinary 13 wickets in the match. Ghulam Ahmed supported him with four wickets in the second innings as Pakistan were bowled out for 152. India had won the first Test between the two countries by an innings and 70 runs, taking a 1–0 lead in the five-match series. Mankad’s 13-wicket haul was the defining performance of the match. He had contributed with the bat in India’s first innings and then dominated with the ball when Pakistan came out to bat. It was the kind of all-round display that made him one of the most important figures in early Indian cricket. For India, October 18, 1952, marked a memorable beginning to Test cricket against Pakistan. The rivalry would go on to produce many great players and dramatic finishes, but its first chapter belonged to Vinoo Mankad and an Indian side that left little doubt about who had been the better team in Delhi. On October 18, 1952, India didn’t just win their first Test against Pakistan. Vinoo Mankad delivered a performance that ensured the result would be remembered for generations.
Hemu Adhikari and Vijay Hazare set the platform
Mankad struck again as India sealed the win
A performance that became part of Indian cricket history
