Multan: Noman Ali becomes first Pakistani Test spinner to go hat-trick in HISTORY of Cap

Pakistan left-arm spinner Noman Ali made a new history as he became first ever Pakistani Test spinner to do a hat-trick.

Left-arm spinner Noman Ali of Pakistan became first person to take a Test cricket hat-trick in historic manner which came to West Indies during 2nd Test match at Multan Cricket Stadium on Jan 25, 2025.

EXcellent start to Noman's hat-trick off five deliveries - Justin Greaves, Timm Manns and Kevin Sinclair (in that order) leaving his impressive duo. His incredible outing contributed in Pakistan cutting the West Indies down to 44 for seven in the morning session. 

🚨 FIRST PAKISTAN SPINNER TO TAKE A TEST HAT-TRICK 🚨

Take a bow, Noman Ali! 🫡#PAKvWI | #RedBallRumble pic.twitter.com/c5RHVdcM0z

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 25, 2025

This achievement followed in the footsteps of Noman, who joins several other elite members of Pakistan's bowling legion who've taken 3 wickets in Test matches. It was his sixth-ball hat-trick across the format and also the first for Pakistan since Nadeem Junaid hit three in a Test against Bangladesh in 2000, alongside Wasim Akram and Mohammad Sami being his contemporaries.

Among the other interesting bits …Noman also became the 2nd oldest cricketer to take a Test hat-trick (38 years 110 days). The biggest claim to fame was Sri Lanka's legend Rangana Herath who holds the record to be the oldest ever Test hat-trick maker having taken a hat-trick at age of 38 years and 139 days.

All things considered Pakistan included not simply three of the vital spinners in their playing XI that develop into teach stroke of a life time. Playing as the first new ball, Noman got the better of Kraigg Brathwaite and swiftly took over as West Indies number one asned in his second over. A few overs later, he took the old boys down to pieces with this tidy three-wicket burst.

𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐭! 😍

Hat-trick hero Noman Ali makes history in Multan 🙌#PAKvWI | #RedBallRumble pic.twitter.com/2xRLeYpVXl

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 25, 2025

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The 38-year-old Noman Ali has scripted history at the Multan Cricket Stadium by becoming the first Pakistani spinner to claim a Test hat-trick. After opting to bat first, the tourists got off to the worst possible start with spin proving to be their nemesis yet again. But they were rocked to the core when Noman Ali came on to bowl the 12th over of the Windies innings. 

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At the start of the over, West Indies' scoreline read 38-4. At that time, Greaves and Hodge were starting to resurrect the ship for the tourists but all their efforts went in vain when Noman was reintroduced. Greaves became his first hattrick wicket as he poked at a wide-turning delivery inducing an outside edge that was pouched safely in the gully.

Imlach was the next victim to follow as he failed to read a quicker ball from Noman and was trapped lbw first ball. Then in the third and final ball, Noman got Sinclair out with a floppy tossed-up delivery on the off-stump line which he poked at with hard hands giving a simple catching practice to Babar at gully.

Watch the video:

HISTORY BY NOMAN ALI 📢

- Noman Ali becomes the first Pakistan spinner to take a Hat-trick in Test history. 🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/Ps3SbVuAbB

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 25, 2025

Overall, Noman is now the fourth Pakistani bowler to claim a Test hattrick in the 21st century. Wasim Akram was the first Pakistani bowler to claim a Test hat-trick way back in 1999 against Sri Lanka. Abdul Razzaq, Mohammed Sami, and Naseem Shah are the other Pakistani bowlers to achieve a Test hattrick for Pakistan. At the time of writing, the West Indies batting was in an immediate state of decline and found themselves reeling at 55-8 by the end of the 17th over on day one.

Pakistan's long wait for a home Test victory came to an end in emphatic fashion as Noman Ali's exceptional bowling helped the team defeat England in the second Test. With eight wickets falling in less than two hours, the match concluded swiftly, leveling the series at 1-1 ahead of the third Test in Rawalpindi. This victory marks a significant milestone for Pakistan, as it is their first home win since 2021.

A record-breaking bowling display

Noman Ali's career-best performance was the highlight of the match, as he took 8 wickets for 46 runs, finishing with match figures of 11 for 147. Alongside Sajid Khan, who claimed 7 wickets for 111 runs in the first innings, they became the first bowling duo to take all 20 wickets in a Test since Dennis Lillee and Bob Massie in 1972. The duo's remarkable performance dismantled England's batting order, showcasing the effectiveness of Pakistan's spin attack on a pitch that was favorable for bowlers.

Despite being faced with the pressure of an innings defeat from the previous match, Pakistan's decision to include a three-man spin attack paid off handsomely. The team made significant changes, dropping Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah in favor of the spin-heavy lineup. The match concluded within three and a half days, further emphasizing the dominance of the Pakistani bowlers on a re-used pitch that offered consistent turn.

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England's batting collapse

England's chase of 261 runs for victory fell apart as they succumbed to Noman and Sajid's relentless bowling. The English batsmen, including Ollie Pope and Joe Root, attempted to employ an aggressive sweep strategy, but it quickly backfired. Pope was the first to fall, caught off a simple return catch to Sajid, while Root's adventurous approach led to his dismissal for a low score. With England reeling at 78 for 5, the match appeared all but over.

The chaotic innings continued as Jamie Smith, Ben Stokes, and other key players were dismissed cheaply. Stokes, who scored 37 runs at a rapid pace, was stumped after a reckless charge down the pitch to Noman. Ultimately, England's batting performance was riddled with mistakes, showcasing a stark contrast to their earlier success in the series. Noman's ability to pick up wickets consistently solidified Pakistan's control over the game, leading to a comprehensive victory.

In the end, Pakistan's victory was not just a welcome relief but also a testament to their resilience and adaptability in challenging circumstances. With Shan Masood's first win as captain, the team will look to build on this momentum as they head into the final Test of the series.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made a crucial decision on Saturday, announcing Mohammad Nawaz as the replacement for left-arm spinner Noman Ali in the Test squad against Australia. The decision came after Noman Ali was ruled out of the ongoing Test series due to acute appendicitis, leading to his surgery on the same day. The national selection committee, headed by Wahab Riaz, approved Nawaz as the replacement, addressing the left-arm spinner void created by Noman’s unfortunate health condition.

Initially included in the squad to provide spin support to Abrar Ahmed, Noman Ali’s absence complicates Pakistan’s bowling situation, especially with Abrar already sidelined due to an injury. Sajid Khan was brought in as a replacement, but his late arrival in Perth prevented him from participating in the opening Test. PCB Chief Selector Wahab Riaz expressed regret over Noman Ali’s unavailability and highlighted the logistical challenges, including visa issues for new players. Considering the need for a left-arm spinner, Mohammad Nawaz emerged as the most suitable choice within the available constraints.

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In an official statement, Wahab Riaz explained the unfortunate circumstances and expressed hope regarding Abrar Ahmed’s potential return for the third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground starting on January 3, 2024. The team management remains optimistic about Abrar’s availability, providing a potential boost to the team’s spin bowling options. Meanwhile, the second Test against Australia is set to begin at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 26.

Adding to Pakistan’s challenges, fast bowlers Khurram Shazad, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf are unavailable. Khurram Shazad reported pain in his left side earlier in the week, Naseem Shah is recovering from an injury, and Haris Rauf opted not to participate. This situation has led to the inclusion of debutants Aamer Jamal and Shahzad, along with Mir Hamza, Hasan Ali, and Mohammad Wasim Jr., forming the current fast bowling lineup for Pakistan against Australia.