Pakistan vs West Indies: Noman Ali Turns out to be First Pakistan Spinner to Step through Exam Full go-around as He Stars in Multan

In an enthralling display of spin bowling mastery, Pakistan’s left-arm spinner Noman Ali etched his name into cricketing history by becoming the first Pakistan spinner to claim a Test hat-trick. The monumental feat took place during the ongoing Test series against the West Indies at the Multan Cricket Stadium. The performance not only marked a personal milestone for Noman but also proved pivotal in shaping the match’s course.

The Setting

The Multan Cricket Stadium, known for its spin-friendly pitch, set the stage for this historic moment. The second Test of the series saw Pakistan looking to solidify their dominance following an emphatic victory in the first Test. With a boisterous home crowd cheering them on, Pakistan’s bowlers rose to the occasion to challenge a resilient West Indies side.

Batting first, Pakistan posted a formidable total of 468 runs, thanks to a sparkling century from Abdullah Shafique and a quickfire 80 from captain Babar Azam. The visitors responded well initially, with their openers laying a solid foundation. However, Noman Ali had other plans as he spun a web around the West Indies batting lineup.

The Hat-Trick Moment

On a turning wicket, Noman’s accuracy and guile proved too much for the West Indies batters. The historic hat-trick came in the 54th over of the West Indies’ first innings. Noman’s victims were all middle-order mainstays, making the achievement even more significant.

The sequence began with a flighted delivery that tempted Roston Chase into driving, only to be caught at slip by Imam-ul-Haq. On the very next delivery, Noman trapped Joshua Da Silva plumb in front with a quicker ball that straightened just enough to beat the bat. With two wickets in two balls, the stadium buzzed with anticipation.

As Noman ran in for the hat-trick delivery, the tension was palpable. Facing him was Jason Holder, one of the West Indies’ most experienced players. Noman delivered a beautifully tossed-up ball that dipped and spun sharply, taking Holder’s outside edge and flying into the safe hands of Abdullah Shafique at second slip. The crowd erupted as history was made, and Noman’s teammates swarmed him in celebration.

A Record-Breaking Feat

Noman Ali’s hat-trick is a landmark achievement, making him the first Pakistani spinner and the fourth Pakistani bowler overall to achieve the feat in Test cricket. The other Pakistani bowlers to have taken Test hat-tricks are Wasim Akram, Abdul Razzaq, and Mohammad Sami, all of whom achieved their milestones with pace bowling.

Speaking after the match, Noman expressed his joy and gratitude: “It’s a dream come true. Taking a hat-trick in front of a home crowd is something I will cherish forever. I’m thankful to my teammates and coaches for their support.”

Impact on the Match

Noman’s hat-trick turned the tide decisively in Pakistan’s favor. West Indies, who were 187 for 4 at one stage, crumbled to 210 all out, giving Pakistan a massive first-innings lead. Noman finished with figures of 5 for 54, underlining his importance to the team’s bowling attack.

With a substantial lead, Pakistan enforced the follow-on, leaving the West Indies with an uphill task to save the game. Noman continued to torment the visitors in the second innings, claiming another three wickets to end the match with an impressive eight-wicket haul.

Reactions from the Cricketing World

Noman’s performance drew praise from cricketing legends and fans alike. Former Pakistan captain Waqar Younis tweeted, “What a spell by Noman Ali! A hat-trick to remember. Congratulations on making history.” West Indies great Brian Lara also acknowledged Noman’s brilliance, calling it “a masterclass in spin bowling.”

Fans on social media lauded Noman for his contribution, with hashtags like #NomanAli and #PakvsWI trending globally. The cricketing fraternity celebrated the achievement as a testament to the rising standards of spin bowling in Pakistan.

The Rise of Noman Ali

Hailing from Sanghar, a small town in Sindh, Noman’s journey to the top has been nothing short of inspiring. Making his Test debut in 2021, he quickly established himself as a reliable spinner with his ability to bowl long spells and adapt to different conditions. His performances in domestic cricket laid the foundation for his international success, and this hat-trick further cements his reputation as a match-winner.

What Lies Ahead

With Pakistan now in a commanding position to win the series, attention turns to the upcoming matches. Noman’s heroics have highlighted the team’s strengths while exposing the West Indies’ vulnerabilities against quality spin. For Pakistan, the focus will be on maintaining their momentum as they prepare for tougher challenges ahead, including the ICC Test Championship.

For Noman Ali, the hat-trick is a significant milestone, but he will undoubtedly look to build on this success and continue contributing to Pakistan’s cricketing legacy. With the Multan crowd behind them and a team brimming with talent, Pakistan’s future in Test cricket looks brighter than ever.

Conclusion

Noman Ali’s historic hat-trick against the West Indies is a moment of pride for Pakistan cricket and a testament to the power of perseverance and skill. His achievement not only turned the match in Pakistan’s favor but also etched his name among the greats of the game. As cricket fans celebrate this remarkable feat, it serves as a reminder of the magic and unpredictability that makes Test cricket truly special.