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Taking a hat-trick in Test cricket is one of the most challenging feats, showcasing a bowler’s ability to dismiss top-quality batters in quick succession. Pakistan, renowned for its history of producing exceptional bowlers, has witnessed several iconic moments of brilliance in Test cricket. Here’s a look at the five Pakistani players who achieved this rare milestone, with Noman Ali being the most recent to join this elite list.
5 Pakistani bowlers to take a hat-trick in the longest format
Wasim Akram – The sultan of swing’s double delight
Akram, widely regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers in cricket history, is the only Pakistani cricketer to take two hat-tricks in Test cricket. His first hat-trick came in 1999 against Sri Lanka at the P Saravanamuttu Stadium in Lahore. Akram dismissed Romesh Kaluwitharana, Niroshan Bandaratilleke, and Pramodya Wickramasinghe in successive deliveries, demonstrating his mastery of reverse swing.
Few days later, Akram repeated the feat against the Islanders in Dhaka, dismissing Avishka Gunawardene, Chaminda Vaas and Mahela Jayawardene with his impeccable line, length, and movement. These performances showcased not only his ability to exploit any condition but also his knack for delivering under pressure. Akram’s dual hat-tricks remain a testament to his unparalleled skill as a fast bowler.
Abdul Razzaq: Brilliance against the Lankans
Razzaq, best known for his all-round abilities, etched his name into cricketing history with a hat-trick against Sri Lanka in 2000 at the National Stadium, Karachi. Razzaq dismissed Kaluwitharana, Rangana Herath and Ravindra Pushpakumara in three consecutive deliveries. His ability to move the ball both ways caught the batters off guard, turning the game in Pakistan’s favor.
While Razzaq was primarily celebrated for his powerful batting, this bowling feat highlighted his versatility and ability to rise to the occasion when his team needed him most. It remains one of the standout moments of his cricketing career.
Mohammad Sami: Speed and swing in full flow
Another Pakistani bowler and the same opponent in the form of Sri Lanka. Sami, renowned for his raw pace and ability to reverse swing the ball, delivered one of his most memorable performances with a hat-trick against the Islanders in 2002 at Lahore. Sami dismissed Charitha Buddhika, Nuwan Zoysa, and Muttiah Muralitharan, showcasing his lethal combination of speed and precision.
Although Sami’s career was marked by inconsistency, this moment underlined his potential and raw talent as a fast bowler. His hat-trick remains a shining example of his ability to unsettle even the most experienced batting line-ups.
Also WATCH: PAK vs WI – Noman Ali scripts history in Multan; becomes the first Pakistan spinner to take a hat-trick in Test cricket
Naseem Shah: A teenage sensation’s historic feat
The next on the esteem list is Naseem, who became one of the youngest players in cricket history to take a hat-trick in Test cricket in a match against Bangladesh in 2020 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Naseem dismissed Najmul Hossain Shanto, Taijul Islam, and Mahmudullah in consecutive deliveries, leaving the opposition shell-shocked.
Naseem’s fiery pace and ability to generate movement off the pitch made him a force to be reckoned with, and his hat-trick established him as a rising star in Pakistan’s bowling arsenal. It also symbolized the bright future of Pakistan’s pace-bowling legacy.
Noman Ali: First Pakistani spinner to achieve the feat
Noman made history on January 24, 2025, by becoming the first Pakistani spinner to take a hat-trick in Test cricket. Playing against the West Indies in Multan, Noman showcased his craft by dismissing three key batters in succession. His hat-trick not only demonstrated his control and guile but also underscored the increasing impact of spin in Pakistan’s cricketing narrative. During West Indies first innings, Noman dismissed Justin Greaves, Tevin Imlach, and Kevin Sinclair to accomplish a historic feat.
