Islamabad, Jan 25: Pakistan’s left-arm spinner Noman Ali achieved a historic milestone on the second morning of the Multan Test against the West Indies, becoming the first Pakistani spinner to claim a hat-trick in Test cricket. His breathtaking spell dismantled the West Indies batting lineup, leaving them struggling at 38-7.
A Magical Spell Unfolds
Noman’s brilliance shone in the 12th over, where he struck three times in three consecutive deliveries. The first victim was Justin Greaves, dismissed with a length ball that turned sharply, inducing an edge. Babar Azam, stationed at gully, grabbed the catch with precision. The West Indies were already on the back foot at 38-5.
Tevin Imlach, walking in under pressure, fell next. Noman bowled a fuller delivery aimed at middle stump. Imlach’s attempted sweep was undone by the ball’s pace and length, trapping him plumb in front. The umpire’s raised finger further deepened the visitors’ woes at 38-6.
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With the hat-trick ball, Noman targeted Kevin Sinclair. Switching to around the wicket, he set attacking field placements. The perfectly flighted delivery spun viciously, catching the edge of Sinclair’s defensive bat. Babar Azam, stationed at slip, completed the catch, sparking jubilation among the Multan crowd and cementing Noman’s place in cricketing history.
Elite Test Hat-Trick Club
Noman Ali’s achievement places him alongside greats like Wasim Akram, Abdul Razzaq, and Naseem Shah in Pakistan’s Test cricket history. The hat-trick also highlights Pakistan’s legacy of excelling in spin-friendly conditions, where bowlers like Noman thrive under pressure.
Dominance in Multan
At the time of the hat-trick, the West Indies were reeling under Pakistan’s dominance, struggling to recover from the relentless spin assault. Noman’s spell not only gave Pakistan a commanding position but also showcased his exceptional skill and temperament.
This remarkable feat will be remembered as one of the most iconic moments in Pakistan’s Test cricket, a testament to Noman Ali’s brilliance and the enduring power of spin in the subcontinent.
