Hanif Mohammad: Player Profile of Pakistan’s “Little Master”

Early life and rise

Hanif Mohammad was born in 1934 in Junagadh, in what was then British India, and moved to Karachi after Partition. He belonged to a famous cricketing family: his brothers Wazir, Mushtaq and Sadiq all played Test cricket for Pakistan. He played in Pakistan’s first Test match, against India in 1952.

Playing style

Hanif was a small, immensely patient opening batter with a rock-solid defence. His nickname, the “Little Master”, reflected both his stature and his technical mastery. He was known for enormous concentration and for batting for long periods without giving a chance.

Career highlights

Hanif’s most famous innings came in Bridgetown in 1958, when Pakistan followed on against West Indies and he batted for around 16 hours to score 337. It was then the longest innings in Test cricket and saved the match for Pakistan after they had been heavily behind. It is regarded as one of the great rearguard efforts in the sport’s history.

The following year he made 499 for Karachi against Bahawalpur in a first-class match, which stood as the highest score in first-class cricket until Brian Lara’s 501 not out in 1994. He was run out, one short of 500.

He played 55 Tests for Pakistan before retiring in 1969, and he captained the side on occasion.

Legacy

Hanif is considered Pakistan’s first great batter and a foundational figure in the country’s cricket. His dedication helped give a young Test nation credibility on the international stage, and his innings in 1958 is still a reference point for resilience. He was later recognised by the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame. He died in 2016, and he is remembered as one of the most important players in Pakistan’s cricketing history.

Frequently asked questions

What is Hanif Mohammad’s most famous innings?

His 337 against West Indies in Bridgetown in 1958, which lasted around 16 hours and saved the Test for Pakistan.

What was Hanif Mohammad’s first-class record?

He scored 499 for Karachi in 1958–59, the highest first-class score until Brian Lara’s 501 not out in 1994.

How many Tests did Hanif Mohammad play?

He played 55 Tests for Pakistan between 1952 and 1969.