Pakistan spinner Noman Ali etched his name in cricketing history by becoming the first Pakistani spinner to claim a hat-trick in men’s Test cricket. The remarkable feat occurred on Day 1 of the second Test against the West Indies in Multan. Noman dismissed Justin Greaves, Tevin Imlach, and Kevin Sinclair on consecutive deliveries during the 12th over of the West Indies innings, setting a historic milestone for Pakistan cricket.
Pakistan’s First Spin Hat-Trick in Tests
Despite Pakistan’s illustrious history of producing world-class spinners such as Abdul Qadir, Saqlain Mushtaq, and Danish Kaneria, none had achieved a Test hat-trick until Noman Ali’s remarkable effort. Pakistan played their first Test match in 1952, but this momentous achievement had eluded their spin bowlers for over seven decades.
Day 1 Highlights
After the West Indies opted to bat first, Noman spearheaded Pakistan’s spin-dominant attack, reducing the visitors to 38 for 7. His hat-trick not only tilted the game in Pakistan’s favor but also showcased his skill and precision on a turning Multan wicket.
𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐭! 😍
Hat-trick hero Noman Ali makes history in Multan 🙌#PAKvWI | #RedBallRumble pic.twitter.com/2xRLeYpVXl— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 25, 2025
Key Bowling Figures:
- Noman Ali: 4 wickets (including the hat-trick).
- Sajid Khan: 2 wickets.
- Abrar Ahmed: 1 wicket.
- Kashif Ali: 1 wicket.
Kashif Ali’s Debut
The 24-year-old pacer Kashif Ali made his Test debut, adding a vital seam option to Pakistan’s spin-heavy bowling attack. Kashif earned his call-up following stellar performances in domestic cricket, including a five-wicket haul against Sri Lanka Shaheens last November. On debut, Kashif claimed one of the first eight wickets to fall, supporting the spin trio in dismantling the West Indies lineup.
Pakistan’s Bowling Strategy
The decision to rely on spin in Multan paid dividends, as Noman, Sajid, and Abrar all played critical roles. The Multan surface appeared tailor-made for spin, forcing the West Indies batters into a defensive approach, which ultimately led to their collapse.
Noman Ali’s historic hat-trick will go down as one of the most memorable moments in Pakistan’s rich cricketing history, underscoring the dominance of spin in the subcontinent and the importance of precision and skill in Test cricket.