Noman Ali Makes History: Pakistan’s First Spinner to Achieve a Test Hat-Trick Against West Indies
CricketPanditNoman Ali made history by becoming the first spinner from Pakistan to achieve a Test hat-trick, contributing to his impressive six-wicket haul as West Indies crumbled to 54/8 within just 17 overs after choosing to bat on the first day of the second Test in Multan on Saturday (January 25). The lower order fought back, led by Gudakesh Motie’s first Test fifty, allowing the visitors to finish the extended opening session with a more respectable first innings total of 163.
West Indies continued to struggle against spin for the third consecutive innings during this tour. However, it was the pace of Pakistan’s debutant, Kashif Ali, who struck first in the morning, taking a wicket in his very first over of international cricket by dismissing Mikyle Louis. The next to go was West Indies’ debutant, who was trapped LBW by Sajid Khan without scoring.
Noman then got in on the action, taking a wicket in his first over to break the developing partnership between Kraigg Brathwaite and Kavem Hodge, trapping the skipper LBW for nine runs. Brathwaite reviewed the decision, but it was unsuccessful. Justin Greaves became the first victim of Noman’s hat-trick in his next over, edging to slips where Babar Azam took a sharp catch. Tevin Imlach followed, getting caught plumb in front after attempting a pre-meditated sweep. Noman completed the rare achievement by dismissing Kevin Sinclair, with another low catch taken by Babar at gully.
Just before the hat-trick, Sajid had Alick Athanaze LBW with an arm-ball that angled back in and struck the front pad as the batter attempted a reverse sweep. After witnessing the collapse from the other end, Hodge fell for 21 to Abrar Ahmed, also trying to sweep, but ended up top-edging the ball to forward short-leg after it hit his helmet.
Just when it seemed like West Indies might collapse completely, the lower order showed some resistance once again, forming a 41-run partnership between Motie (55) and Kemar Roach (25). Together, they helped West Indies reach a more respectable score in the triple digits. Noman, however, had Roach trapped LBW plumb to complete his five-wicket haul, and later dismissed Motie to finish with an innings tally of 6 for 41. Similar to the previous Test, Joel Warrican provided some entertainment with his aggressive batting when the visitors had little to lose. Alongside Motie, he contributed to a 68-run partnership, smashing two towering sixes on his way to an unbeaten 36 off 40 balls. Brief scores: West Indies 163 (Gudakesh Motie 55, Jomel Warrican 36*; Noman Ali 6-41, Sajid Khan 2-64) vs Pakistan.
