Noman Ali made history on Saturday by becoming the first Pakistan spinner to take a hat trick in Test cricket, leading his team to a dominant performance against the West Indies on the opening day of the second Test in Multan. The West Indies were bowled out for just 163 in 41.1 overs after opting to bat first, with Noman finishing with impressive figures of 6-41.
Fellow spinner Sajid Khan also contributed with 2-64 as Pakistan’s spin-heavy attack took charge. The West Indies faced early setbacks as Noman, introduced as the first change, struck immediately by trapping West Indian captain Kraigg Brathwaite leg before for just nine runs. This sparked a dramatic collapse, with the visitors slipping from a comfortable 32-2 to a disastrous 38-8 in just 14 deliveries.
Noman’s hat trick came in stunning fashion, as he dismissed Justin Greaves for one before taking consecutive wickets of Tevin Imlach and Kevin Sinclair off successive deliveries. With this performance, Noman became the fifth Pakistani bowler to achieve a Test hat trick, following in the footsteps of fast bowlers Wasim Akram, Abdul Razzaq, Mohammad Sami, and Naseem Shah.
Despite the collapse, Gudakesh Motie played a valiant knock, top-scoring with a career-best 55. He formed crucial partnerships, adding 41 runs with Kemar Roach (25) and 68 runs with Jomel Warrican, who remained unbeaten on 36 with two sixes. These partnerships delayed the inevitable but could not prevent Noman from taking his eighth five-wicket haul in an innings.
Pakistan’s spin-heavy strategy, which had worked successfully in the first Test win by 127 runs, proved effective again, with the ball turning from the very first over. Noman’s historic feat, along with strong support from his fellow spinners and debutant pacer Kashif Ali, who took the wicket of Mikyle Louis for four, left the West Indies with little chance to recover.
This dominant display sets Pakistan in a strong position as they aim for a series victory after winning the first Test in Multan.
