In the world of cricket, taking a wicket is always special. But taking a wicket with both the first and last ball of an innings is a rare feat that blends skill and magic. Only a handful of bowlers in international cricket history have achieved this. This article highlights 10 unforgettable moments when bowlers stunned the world by taking a wicket with both the first and last ball of an innings, creating legendary memories in the cricketing world.
Let’s take a look at these rare and powerful performances in simple words that every fan can understand.
List of Top 10 Bowlers Taking a Wicket with both the first and last ball of an innings
10. Pedro Collins – St Lucia, 2004
Pedro Collins of West Indies stunned cricket fans in 2004 when he created a rare piece of history by taking a wicket with both the first and last ball of an innings. The match was against Bangladesh at Beausejour Stadium, St Lucia. The left-arm pacer showed amazing control and sharpness throughout the innings. His first ball sent a ripple through the top order, and when he returned to bowl the final ball, he dismissed the last batter to seal this special record.
This match marked the second time Collins achieved this rare record, making him the only bowler to do it twice. His consistency in taking a wicket with both the first and last ball of an innings makes him a standout.
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Opponent | Bangladesh |
| Venue | Beausejour Stadium, St Lucia |
| Year | 2004 |
| First Ball Wicket | Yes |
| Last Ball Wicket | Yes |
9. Shaun Pollock – Nottingham, 2003
The South African legend Shaun Pollock, known for his steady and accurate bowling, delivered a stunning performance in 2003 against England at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. Pollock wasted no time and struck with his very first delivery. Throughout the innings, he maintained pressure, and when it was time to wrap things up, he bowled the last man out thus completing the remarkable act of taking a wicket with both the first and last ball of an innings.
Pollock’s calm and composed approach played a big role in this rare cricketing milestone. His mastery over line and length helped him accomplish taking a wicket with both the first and last ball of an innings.
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Opponent | England |
| Venue | Trent Bridge, Nottingham |
| Year | 2003 |
| First Ball Wicket | Yes |
| Last Ball Wicket | Yes |
8. Pedro Collins – Dhaka, 2002/03
Pedro Collins first achieved this unique record against Bangladesh in 2002/03 at Dhaka. In this match, he struck gold on the opening delivery and returned to clean up the tail with the last ball of the innings. Collins bowled with rhythm, used angles effectively, and shocked Bangladesh’s batting lineup.
This moment marked the beginning of Collins’s name in history books. It was his first time taking a wicket with both the first and last ball of an innings, and it set the stage for his repeat performance two years later.
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Opponent | Bangladesh |
| Venue | Dhaka |
| Year | 2002/03 |
| First Ball Wicket | Yes |
| Last Ball Wicket | Yes |
7. Glenn McGrath – Galle, 1999/00
Australian fast bowling icon Glenn McGrath pulled off this rare achievement in 1999/00 during a Test match against Sri Lanka in Galle. McGrath, famous for his precise bowling, removed a batter with his first ball. He then continued to apply pressure, swinging the ball with deadly accuracy. His last delivery sealed the deal, as he sent back the final batter.
McGrath’s ability to execute taking a wicket with both the first and last ball of an innings showcased his total command over the game and proved why he was one of the greatest fast bowlers in cricket history.
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Opponent | Sri Lanka |
| Venue | Galle |
| Year | 1999/00 |
| First Ball Wicket | Yes |
| Last Ball Wicket | Yes |
6. Devon Malcolm – Leeds, 1995
Devon Malcolm, one of the most fiery English pacers, created this rare moment in 1995 at Headingley, Leeds against West Indies. On a pitch that offered bounce, Malcolm roared with aggression and struck on his very first delivery. He didn’t slow down and bowled fast and full. Eventually, the innings ended the way it started with another Malcolm wicket.
Malcolm’s raw pace and intensity were key in taking a wicket with both the first and last ball of an innings, leaving a lasting impression on fans.
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Opponent | West Indies |
| Venue | Headingley, Leeds |
| Year | 1995 |
| First Ball Wicket | Yes |
| Last Ball Wicket | Yes |
5. Wasim Akram – Rawalpindi, 1993/94
The king of swing, Wasim Akram, gave a masterclass in Rawalpindi in 1993/94 when he dismantled Zimbabwe’s innings. He set the tone immediately with a first-ball wicket. Using clever variations and reverse swing, Akram worked through the lineup and polished off the innings with a last-ball strike.
Wasim’s experience and clever bowling made taking a wicket with both the first and last ball of an innings look like an art form.
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Opponent | Zimbabwe |
| Venue | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| Year | 1993/94 |
| First Ball Wicket | Yes |
| Last Ball Wicket | Yes |
4. Kapil Dev – Durban, 1992/93
India’s cricket legend Kapil Dev pulled off this rare feat in 1992/93 against South Africa at Kingsmead, Durban. Making a strong comeback, India’s bowling spearhead removed a batter with the first ball of the innings and later returned to take the last wicket.
Kapil’s performance in this match is still remembered as an example of taking a wicket with both the first and last ball of an innings, showing his incredible sense of timing and leadership.
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Opponent | South Africa |
| Venue | Kingsmead, Durban |
| Year | 1992/93 |
| First Ball Wicket | Yes |
| Last Ball Wicket | Yes |
3. Sylvester Clarke – Bangalore, 1978/79
West Indies speedster Sylvester Clarke achieved this remarkable feat during the 1978/79 tour of India. In Bangalore, Clarke’s terrifying pace shocked the home team. The first ball knocked over a batsman, and his deadly pace struck again with the final ball of the innings.
Clarke’s name is etched in history for taking a wicket with both the first and last ball of an innings, a feat that highlights his dominance.
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Opponent | India |
| Venue | Bangalore |
| Year | 1978/79 |
| First Ball Wicket | Yes |
| Last Ball Wicket | Yes |
2. Bob Willis – Brisbane, 1978/79
The English fast bowler Bob Willis was known for his stamina and aggression. In the Ashes Test at Brisbane in 1978/79, he sent the Australian crowd into silence by getting a wicket on the first ball. With his never-give-up attitude, he bowled tirelessly and finished the innings with another scalp.
Willis’s fierce spirit and skill allowed him to earn a place among legends who succeeded in taking a wicket with both the first and last ball of an innings.
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Opponent | Australia |
| Venue | Brisbane (The Gabba) |
| Year | 1978/79 |
| First Ball Wicket | Yes |
| Last Ball Wicket | Yes |
1. Andy Roberts – Kolkata, 1974/75
The very first instance of this legendary achievement came from Andy Roberts of West Indies in 1974/75 against India at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Roberts, one of the original Caribbean fast-bowling greats, opened with a fierce strike and came back to claim the last wicket with precision.
Roberts became the first cricketer in international history to accomplish taking a wicket with both the first and last ball of an innings, setting the benchmark for greatness in fast bowling.
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Opponent | India |
| Venue | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
| Year | 1974/75 |
| First Ball Wicket | Yes |
| Last Ball Wicket | Yes |
READ MORE:
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FAQ
Q1: How rare is taking a wicket on both the first and last ball of an innings?
It’s extremely rare and has happened only a handful of times in cricket history.
Q2: Has any bowler done it more than once?
Yes, Pedro Collins of the West Indies has done it twice in 2002 and 2004.
Q3: Are these records from Test matches or ODIs?
Most of these records come from Test matches, which offer longer innings.
Q4: Who was the first bowler to achieve this unique record?
Andy Roberts was the first to do this in 1974/75 against India.
Q5: Does this feat show more about skill or luck?
It’s a combination of both. Skill sets up the moment, and sometimes luck finishes it.
