On This Day in 1989: Sachin Tendulkar and Waqar Younis Embarked on Their Test Cricket Journey Together

On this day, 34 years ago, Sachin Tendulkar and Waqar Younis made their Test debut during an India vs Pakistan Test match in Karachi. Both of them entered the international stage in the first match of India’s tour of Pakistan in 1989. Waqar’s initiation into the longest format of the game was nearly flawless as he claimed four wickets, conceding 80 runs in his 19 overs in the second innings.

Notably, one of Waqar’s four victims was Tendulkar. In that particular match, Waqar dismissed the future Indian legend for 15 runs by knocking down his stumps. Waqar’s other scalps included Kapil Dev, Sanjay Manjrekar, and Manoj Prabhakar.

Despite contributing just 15 runs in the second innings of the match, Tendulkar, who made his debut at the tender age of 16 years and 205 days, showcased resilience against the formidable Pakistan bowling line-up.

Tendulkar walked in to bat at number 6 when India was struggling at 41/4 and revived the visitors’ innings by forming a 32-run partnership with Mohammad Azharuddin.

Meanwhile, after winning the toss, Indian skipper Kris Srikkanth opted to bowl first, and Pakistani skipper Imran Khan scored an unbeaten 109 runs, leading the hosts to post 409 runs for the loss of ten wickets.

In response, Team India managed to put up only 262 runs for the loss of ten wickets. For Pakistan, Waqar and Wasim Akram both secured four wickets each, while Imran and Abdul Qadir bagged one wicket each.

Despite acquiring a 147-run lead in the first innings, no decisive result emerged as the high-scoring match concluded in a draw.

In their second innings, Pakistan declared at 305 runs for the loss of five wickets. Chasing a target of 453 runs for victory, India reached 303 runs for the loss of three wickets before the umpires declared the match a draw.

Waqar bowled just two overs in the fourth innings and remained wicketless. Tendulkar, on the other hand, did not have the opportunity to bat during India’s second innings.