GLOBAL GOENKARS IN SPORT
Antao D’Souza is the second Goa-origin player to have played Test Cricket for Pakistan. The other was Wallis Mathias, whose cricketing pursuits were covered in this publication recently.
Antao played 6 Test matches for Pakistan, scoring 76 runs, with a batting average of 38, and a top score of 23, and took 17 wickets at 43.82 apiece, with one 5-wicket haul. He played 61 First-Class matches, scored 815 runs with a top score of 45 runs, and took 190 wickets with twelve 5-wicket scalps in an innings, and a best of 7 for 33 in the domestic season.
In the illustrious history of cricket, there are often tales of remarkable journeys that defy the odds. One such extraordinary story is that of Antao D'Souza, a cricketer who emerged from a Goan-Catholic background to represent Pakistan in the international arena. Despite coming from humble beginnings, Antao's unwavering dedication, skill, and resilience led him to don the green cap of Pakistan, making a mark in the world of cricket.
Born on January 17, 1939, in Nagoa, Salcete Goa, then Portuguese India, his family moved to Karachi in 1947. He schooled at the famous St Patrick’s where, along with his brothers Vincent and Joseph nurtured their cricketing skills under the tutelage of Jacob Harris, the great Sind and Maharashtra cricketer of the 1930s.
FIRST-CLASS CRICKET
All the D’Souza brothers went on to play First-Class cricket in Pakistan, with Antao earning the Test cap in 1959 against the visiting West Indies.
Antao D'Souza's early life was a testament to the values of hard work and determination. Growing up in an environment where resources were scarce, he understood the importance of making the most of what he had. Like hundreds of talented cricketers his journey into the world of cricket began on the vast ‘maidans’ of his neighborhood in Karachi, where he honed his skills through sheer hard work and determination.
Antao's cricketing talent soon caught the eye of local selectors, who recognised his potential as a medium-pace bowler. His ability to swing the ball sharply and deliver quick off-breaks made him a first choice among players of his cadre. He played domestic cricket for Karachi Blues, Peshawar, and Pakistan International Airline (PIA) and it wasn't long before he found himself opening the bowling attack for Pakistan, ready to un-nerve some of the world's finest batsmen.
TEST CRICKET
On February 20, 1959, Antao D'Souza achieved a dream that must have seemed distant in his early years. He made his Test debut for Pakistan against the formidable West Indies. It was a moment of immense pride, not just for Antao and his family, the small Goan community of Karachi but for the entire cricketing community that had witnessed his remarkable journey from simple beginnings to the international stage.
Antao's role in the team extended beyond his skills as a bowler. He was an obdurate tail-end batter who possessed the tenacity to prolong the innings and frustrate opposition bowlers. This quality made him an asset in the team’s arsenal in tight situations, where his resilience often defied the odds and rescued Pakistan from precarious positions.
One of the most remarkable chapters in Antao D'Souza's cricketing journey was his tour of England in 1962. During this tour, he achieved a unique distinction by heading the batting averages, an honour seldom bestowed upon tailenders. His batting average of 53 runs in the series was a testament to his ability to remain stubbornly not out in five of his six innings. In fact, Antao is one of only two Test cricketers in history whose batting average exceeds their highest score, proof of his incredible consistency and determination.
Antao's contributions with the ball, however, were impressive. He scalped the wickets of renowned batters, including Gerry Alexander, Joe Solomon, Geoff Pullar, Mickey Stewart, Colin Cowdrey, Tom Graveney, Peter Parfitt, and Barry Knight. His ability to outfox and dismiss such illustrious names showcased his skill and composure in bowling at world-class batters.
BEYOND CRICKET
He had the potential to play many more matches for Pakistan than his 6 outings; however, he preferred a professional career with the national carrier.
Beyond his reasonable cricketing achievements, Antao D'Souza's journey is a story of resilience, hard work, and the triumph of the human spirit. Being employed by PIA, he rose to become a Station Manager in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. He proved that talent, sporting or professional, when nurtured with dedication and perseverance, can overcome any obstacle. His legacy as a humble cricketer and an inspiration to aspiring athletes will continue to shine brightly in the annals of cricket history.
In the world of cricket, where legends are celebrated, Antao D'Souza's story serves as a reminder that greatness can emerge from the most unexpected places. He is proof of the fact that it's not where you come from, but the determination and effort you put into your craft that truly define your journey to success. Antao (84) now lives in Toronto, Canada.
(The writer is a Toronto-based communications consultant, Karachi Goan community/city historian and author)
