Noman Ali Makes History with Hat-Trick Against West Indies in 2nd Test
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Synopsis
On January 25, 2023, Noman Ali became the first Pakistani spinner to take a hat-trick in Test cricket during the match against the West Indies in Multan. His achievement marks a significant moment in Pakistan's cricket history.
Key Takeaways
- Noman Ali's hat-trick marks a historic moment in Test cricket.
- He is the first Pakistani spinner to achieve this feat.
- The match took place at Multan Cricket Stadium.
- Noman's performance was crucial in the team's success.
- He joined an elite group of Pakistani bowlers.
Multan, Jan 25 (NationPress) In a remarkable achievement, Pakistan's left-arm spinner Noman Ali made history on Saturday by becoming the first Pakistani spinner to secure a hat-trick in Test cricket.
The 38-year-old accomplished this extraordinary milestone on the first day of the second and final Test against the West Indies at the Multan Cricket Stadium. Noman's hat-trick proved crucial for the match, leaving the visitors in disarray at 44 for 7 by the conclusion of the morning session.
By achieving this feat, Noman joined a select group of Pakistani bowlers, becoming only the fifth in the country’s cricketing history to reach this landmark in Test matches. He followed in the footsteps of iconic bowlers like Wasim Akram, who was the first Pakistani fast bowler to record a Test hat-trick in 1997, and Naseem Shah, who last achieved this in 2020 against Bangladesh.
Coming in as the first-change bowler on a spin-friendly Multan pitch, Noman began to dismantle the West Indies batting lineup with great skill and craft. His first breakthrough came in the second over when he dismissed West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite, delivering a significant blow that dampened the visitors' spirits.
Noman's hat-trick transpired in the 12th over of the innings. He first dismissed Justin Greaves, who tried a loose drive but edged the ball to the slip cordon. Next, Tevin Imlach was bowled out by a failed sweep shot, trapped in front of the stumps. For his hat-trick delivery, Noman displayed remarkable skill, delivering the ball with precision to entice Kevin Sinclair into an ambitious drive. Sinclair edged the ball to Babar Azam, who expertly caught it at gully, marking this historic moment.
The pitch in Multan, designed as a dust bowl, was ideal for Pakistan's spin-dominant strategy. It provided sharp turn from the very first hour, allowing Noman and fellow spinner Sajid Khan to exploit the conditions and restrict the West Indies' batting lineup effectively.
Debutant pacer Kashif Ali set an impressive tone for the morning by removing Mikyle Louis within the first 15 minutes of play. Following this, it turned into a spin exhibition by Noman and Sajid, who generated significant turn and bounce to challenge the visiting batters.
