Mohammad Abbas Matches Wasim Akram Record with Double Strike in Opening Over
Mohammad Abbas became just the second Pakistani bowler after Wasim Akram to take two wickets in the first over of a Test innings after a stunning opening spell against England.
Fast bowler Mohammad Abbas produced an extraordinary opening spell at Edgbaston, becoming only the second Pakistani bowler in Test history to take two wickets in the first over of an innings.
The landmark moment saw Abbas etch his name alongside legendary left-arm pacer Wasim Akram, who previously stood as the sole Pakistani bowler to achieve this dual strike in the opening six deliveries of a Test match.
Abbas struck immediate blows against England, dismantling the top order before the host batters could settle or find their scoring rhythm on home soil.
Exploiting the fresh seam movement on offer, Abbas tested the edge of the bat repeatedly, forcing England onto the defensive right from the contest's opening minute.
Akram had set the original benchmark decades ago during an era dominated by world-class fast bowling, showcasing the lethal opening spells that Pakistani pacers have long been celebrated for globally.
Known throughout his career for impeccable control and relentless accuracy, Abbas once again demonstrated how lethal he can be in favorable English overhead conditions.
The swift double breakthrough tilted early momentum decisively toward Pakistan, placing heavy responsibility on England's middle order to rebuild the innings under immense pressure.
As the match progresses, Abbas' sensational first over stands out as a historic highlight, underlining his value in Pakistan's red-ball bowling attack.