The India Pakistan cricket rivalry dates back to 1952/53 when both countries emerged out of the partition of British-ruled colonial India following the end of the Second World War.
India itself had made its debut as a test playing nation back in 1932. Two members of the touring Pakistan team – captain Abdul Hafeez (now Kardar) and batter Amir Elahi – had previously represented them.
The Pakistan team that arrived in India that October would go on to play five Test matches, interspersed with games against Indian interzonal sides and a Universities XI.
Pakistan played their first ever test at Delhi in a match that began on 16 October.
India won the toss and batted. After they lost both openers cheaply, Vijay Hazare laid the platform for them with 76. India scored steadily, but at 263/9, Pakistan had hopes of keeping the score down, However, Hemu Adhikari (81*) and Ghulam Ahmed (50) then combined to put on 109 for the last wicket. It would be another 52 years before their 10th-wicket partnership was bettered by an Indian pairing.
Together, they helped India close on 372.
Pakistan began well, Nazar Mohammad and Hanif Mohammad putting on 64 for the first wicket. However, then the ball was tossed to Vinoo Mankad – who had also opened batting – and he wreaked havoc, taking 8-52. Pakistan were all out for just 150, and were made to follow on.
Second time round things were hardly any better, with Mankad taking five more wickets. Ghulam, reverting to his more normal role as India's first great off-spinner, took 4-35. Kardar made an unbeaten 43 and Imtiaz Ahmed 41, but they lacked support, and Pakistan were all out for 152.
India had won by an innings and 70 runs, and Mankad finished with match figures of 13-122.