January 1955 marked the beginning of one of the most anticipated cricketing moments in South Asian history. India toured Pakistan for the first time since Partition, and the opening Test of the series at the Bahawal Stadium, Bahawalpur, from January 15 to 18, 1955, was drenched in political, cultural, and sporting significance.
With crowds filling every inch of the stadium, the atmosphere was electrifying. For Pakistan, led by A. H. Kardar, this series was a moment of national pride. For India, under Vijay Hazare, it was an opportunity to strengthen relations and script cricketing history on foreign soil.
The pitch turned out to be slow, flat, and batter-friendly, making a result nearly impossible. The match eventually ended in a draw, but it showcased disciplined batting, quality bowling spells, and the spirit of a budding cricket rivalry.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Pakistan vs. India – 1st Test |
| Dates | 15–18 January 1955 |
| Venue | Bahawal Stadium, Bahawalpur |
| Toss | Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat |
| Result | Match Drawn |
| Match Format | 5-day Test |
| Umpires | Idrees Baig & M. A. Ghauri |
| Significance | First Test of India’s 1954–55 tour of Pakistan |
Team Lineups
| Pakistan (Playing XI) | India (Playing XI) |
|---|---|
| A. H. Kardar (c) | Vijay Hazare (c) |
| Hanif Mohammad | Pankaj Roy |
| Alimuddin | Vijay Manjrekar |
| Maqsood Ahmed | Polly Umrigar |
| Imtiaz Ahmed (wk) | Vinoo Mankad |
| Wazir Mohammad | Ghulam Ahmed |
| Shujauddin | G. S. Ramchand |
| Fazal Mahmood | Dattu Phadkar |
| Khan Mohammad | Madhav Apte |
| Zulfiqar Ahmed | Probir Sen (wk) |
| Waqar Hasan | Hemu Adhikari |
Pakistan 1st Innings – 251 all out
Pakistan started steadily with Hanif Mohammad (51) and Alimuddin (41) giving them a strong base. Captain Kardar (43) and Wazir Mohammad (33) added crucial middle-order runs, but India’s bowlers kept striking at regular intervals.
Ghulam Ahmed (4/72) and Vinoo Mankad (3/69) bowled long, disciplined spells on an unresponsive pitch, ensuring Pakistan didn’t run away with a massive total.
| Player | Runs | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|
| Hanif Mohammad | 51 | c Sen b Mankad |
| Alimuddin | 41 | b Ghulam Ahmed |
| Maqsood Ahmed | 19 | c Hazare b Phadkar |
| Wazir Mohammad | 33 | c Roy b Ghulam Ahmed |
| Imtiaz Ahmed (wk) | 18 | b Mankad |
| A. H. Kardar (c) | 43 | c Umrigar b Ghulam Ahmed |
| Waqar Hasan | 9 | c Ramchand b Mankad |
| Shujauddin | 6 | b Phadkar |
| Fazal Mahmood | 7 | c Apte b Ghulam Ahmed |
| Khan Mohammad | 12 | Run out |
| Zulfiqar Ahmed | 4* | Not out |
| Total | 251 all out | 84.1 overs |
India 1st Innings – 252/8 declared
India replied with calm and composure. Openers Pankaj Roy (68) and Madhav Apte (41) provided a rock-solid foundation. Captain Vijay Hazare (45) and the ever-dependable Polly Umrigar (46) kept the scoreboard moving.
Pakistan’s bowlers, especially Fazal Mahmood (3/52) and Zulfiqar Ahmed (3/79), bowled tirelessly. Still, India managed to inch ahead and declared at 252/8, taking a slender 1-run lead.
| Player | Runs | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|
| Pankaj Roy | 68 | c Hanif b Fazal |
| Madhav Apte | 41 | c Wazir b Zulfiqar |
| Vijay Hazare (c) | 45 | c Imtiaz b Fazal |
| Vijay Manjrekar | 17 | b Khan Mohammad |
| Polly Umrigar | 46 | c Kardar b Zulfiqar |
| Vinoo Mankad | 9 | b Fazal |
| Ghulam Ahmed | 8 | c Imtiaz b Zulfiqar |
| Ramchand | 7 | Run out |
| Dattu Phadkar | 5* | Not out |
| Probir Sen (wk) | 4* | Not out |
| Extras | 2 | |
| Total | 252/8 declared | 102 overs |
Pakistan 2nd Innings – 74/2 (Match Drawn)
The pitch had flattened out completely on Day 4. Pakistan batted cautiously with Hanif Mohammad (37)* anchoring the innings while time ran out.
With little assistance for bowlers, both captains shook hands and called the game a Draw.
| Player | Runs | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|
| Alimuddin | 18 | b Mankad |
| Hanif Mohammad | 37* | Not out |
| Maqsood Ahmed | 5 | c Umrigar b Ghulam Ahmed |
| Wazir Mohammad | 10* | Not out |
| Total | 74/2 |
Match Drawn
Highlights of the Match
- The first Test of the 1954–55 series was played on a slow Bahawalpur pitch, offering little help to bowlers.
- Hanif Mohammad’s calm batting (51 & 37*) was the backbone of Pakistan’s performance.
- India’s top order, Pankaj Roy, Apte, Hazare, and Umrigar, ensured scoreboard pressure was maintained.
- Ghulam Ahmed (4/72) and Mankad (3/69) bowled marathon spells in tough conditions.
- Fazal Mahmood and Zulfiqar Ahmed shared six wickets for Pakistan in India’s innings.
- A flat pitch, steady batting, and time constraints led to an inevitable draw.