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Left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz etched his name into the record books by becoming the latest Pakistani bowler to take a hat-trick, a milestone he achieved during the UAE T20I Tri-Series 2025 final against Afghanistan in Sharjah.
Mohammad Nawaz becomes first Pakistani men’s spinner to take a T20I hat-trick
Nawaz’s match-winning spell not only sealed Pakistan’s triumph in the Tri-Series but also made him the first Pakistani men’s spinner to register a hat-trick in T20 internationals.
In the decisive clash, Nawaz dismantled Afghanistan’s batting lineup with a fiery spell that returned 5 wickets for 19 runs. His hat-trick was spread across two overs: he removed Darwish Rasooli in the sixth over, trapped Azmatullah Omarzai the very next ball, and struck again with the first delivery of his following over to dismiss Afghanistan skipper Ibrahim Zadran. The spell turned the game on its head as Afghanistan folded for just 66, handing Pakistan a commanding 75-run victory.
— mediaa 🗂️ (@archive_PCT) September 7, 2025
For his brilliance, Nawaz was named Player of the Match, and his achievement added another glorious chapter to Pakistan’s rich cricketing history.
Pakistan’s legacy of T20I hat-tricks across men’s and women’s cricket
Nawaz’s feat has placed him alongside four other Pakistani cricketers – both men and women – who have achieved the rare hat-trick milestone in T20 internationals.
The journey began in 2012, when Asmavia Iqbal, a pioneer of Pakistan women’s cricket, stunned England at Loughborough by claiming the first-ever T20I hat-trick for Pakistan. She was soon followed by Sana Mir, the inspirational former captain, who secured her own hat-trick against Sri Lanka in Sharjah in 2015. Together, the two women paved the way for Pakistan’s growing reputation in the shortest format.
In the men’s game, Faheem Ashraf broke through in 2017, dismissing three Sri Lankan batters in Abu Dhabi to become the first Pakistani male cricketer to achieve the milestone. Two years later, young pacer Mohammad Hasnain repeated the feat against Sri Lanka in Lahore in 2019, showcasing Pakistan’s pace-bowling depth.
With Nawaz’s addition on September 7, 2025, the tally now stands at five Pakistani bowlers -three men and two women – who have achieved hat-tricks in T20Is. This blend of contributions across genders reflects the balance and depth in Pakistan cricket, reaffirming the nation’s long-standing reputation for producing match-winning bowlers.
Complete list of Pakistan bowlers who have taken a hat-trick in T20Is:
- Asmavia Iqbal – vs England, Loughborough, 2012 (Women’s)
- Sana Mir – vs Sri Lanka, Sharjah, 2015 (Women’s)
- Faheem Ashraf – vs Sri Lanka, Abu Dhabi, 2017 (Men’s)
- Mohammad Hasnain – vs Sri Lanka, Lahore, 2019 (Men’s)
- Mohammad Nawaz – vs Afghanistan, Sharjah, 2025 (Men’s)
This illustrious list highlights Pakistan’s unique ability to produce match-turning bowlers across different formats and levels.
Mohammad Nawaz’s hat-trick adds to Pakistan’s spin-bowling riches
While Pakistan has traditionally been known for its fearsome fast bowlers, Nawaz’s hat-trick underlined the growing influence of spin in Pakistan’s T20I setup. His left-arm orthodox bowling not only brought variety but also proved decisive on the spin-friendly surface of Sharjah.
What sets Nawaz apart is that he achieved this feat in a high-pressure final, a stage where performance matters the most. His quick wickets derailed Afghanistan’s chase completely and ensured Pakistan lifted the Tri-Series trophy with authority. More significantly, his achievement made him the first Pakistani men’s spinner to claim a hat-trick in T20 internationals – a milestone that adds to his personal legacy and broadens Pakistan’s bowling narrative beyond pace.
