AC mechanic creates history, takes 10 wickets in an innings

Taltala 1
Saif getting his Man of the match momento. Image Source: XtraTime

Kolkata: Mohammad Saif on Tuesday entered his name in the record books as he became the third bowler in the history of local club cricket to get 10 wickets in an innings. Saif, playing for 2nd Division Club Ariyadaha Sporting Club grabbed all 10 wickets in the innings of National Athletic Club. His bowling spell read as 10-1-28-10. Previously, such a feat was achieved by Wrichik Majumder and P. Majumder.

Son of a goldsmith, left arm spinner Saif has another identity in his life. During the off-season he is busy repairing Air Conditioners. Saif, who lives in a small rented house in Baranagar is a die-hard fan of Ravindra Jadeja.

According to Saif, “I work when I am not playing cricket. I save the money I earn. My father is a huge cricket enthusiast. It is my father who inspired me to play cricket.”

In the 2nd Division pre-quarter final match played at Taltala Institute ground, Ariyadaha batting first scored 137 runs in 46 overs. In reply National Athletic Club was bundled out for 99 runs in 20 overs.

Indian coach Anil Kumble is only the second bowler in the history of test cricket to grab 10 wickets in an innings. Kumble achieved the milestone against Pakistan at Feroz Shah Kotla.

On being reminded that he did something what Kumble achieved for the country, Saif said, “Yes, my teammates congratulated me after the match. I saw that match on TV when Kumble achieved the feat.”

Speaking on his idol Ravindra Jadeja, Saif said, “I regularly follow him (Jadeja) bowl on TV, specially the faster one he bowls.”