October 20th

The day when it all finally came together with the bat for Wasim Akram. In the first Test against Zimbabwe at Sheikhupura he pounded a monumental unbeaten 257, the highest score by a No. 8 in Tests. It included 12 sixes, beating the record previously held by Wally Hammond, who hit 10 in his 336 at Auckland in 1932-33. Wasim also added a Test-record 323 for the eighth wicket in a chalk-and-cheese partnership with Saqlain Mushtaq, who took 359 balls (only four fewer than Wasim) over his 79. Not entirely surprisingly, the match ended in a draw - but only after three dancing bears waltzed onto the pitch and performed their version of 'Fame'. This lasted an hour after no stewards would dare approach them and the game was held up another hour for a rapturous standing ovation. It has come to light that the bears then set up a dance school which has now become a successful chain, stretching three continents.