Taking a hat-trick in Test cricket is one of the most challenging feats and showcases a bowler’s ability to quickly take down even the best of batsmen. Known for its history of producing excellent bowling, Pakistan has witnessed several iconic moments of brilliance in Test cricket. Here’s a look at the five Pakistan players who achieved this rare milestone Noman Ali is the latest news to join this elite list.
5 Pakistan bowlers to take hat-tricks in longest format
Wasim Akram – The Sultan of Swing’s Double Joy
Widely regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers in cricket history, Akram is the only Pakistani cricketer to take two hat-tricks in Test cricket. His first hat-trick came against Sri Lanka at the P Saravanamuttu Stadium in Lahore in 1999. Akram sacked Romesh Kaluwitharana, Niroshan Bandaratellekeand Pramodya Wickramasinghe Demonstrating his mastery of the reverse swing in successive deliveries.
Days later, Akram repeated the feat against the islanders in Dhaka Avishka Gunawardene, Chaminda Vaas and Mahela Jayawarde His impeccable line, length and movement. These performances not only showcased his ability to exploit any conditions, but also his knack for delivering under pressure. Akram’s double wicket remains a testament to his unparalleled skills as a fast bowler.
Abdul Razzaq: Excellent again
Known for his all-round ability, Razzaq etched his name in cricket history with his hat-trick against Sri Lanka in 2000 at the National Stadium in Karachi. Razzaq fires Kaluwitharana, Rangana Herath and Ravindra Pushpakumara Three deliveries in a row. He has the ability to move the ball, catch the batsmen off guard and swing the game in Pakistan’s favour.
Although Razzaq is primarily known for his powerful batting, this bowling feat highlighted his versatility and ability to reach where his team needs him most. It remains one of the outstanding moments of his cricketing career.
Mohammad Sami: Speed and full flow
Another Pakistan bowler and the same opponent in the form of Sri Lanka. Known for his raw pace and ability to reverse the ball, Sami delivered one of his most memorable performances in 2002 when he scored a hat-trick against the Islanders in Lahore. Sammy fired Charitha Buddhika, Nuwan Zoysaand Muttiah Muralitharanshowing off his combination of speed and accuracy.
Although Sami’s career has been marked by inconsistencies, this moment highlighted his potential and raw talent as a fast bowler. His hat-trick remains a shining example of his ability against even the most experienced batting line-up.
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Naseem Shah: Teenage sensation’s all-time feat
Next on the honorable list is Naseem, who became one of the youngest players in the history of cricket to score a Test against Bangladesh at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in 2020 Score a hat-trick in a cricket match. Naseem fired Najmul Hossain Shanto, Taijul Islamand Mahmittitlah Continuous deliveries that stun the opponents.
Naseem’s pace and ability to generate movement from the pitch make him a force to be reckoned with and his hat-trick makes him a rising star in Pakistan’s bowling arsenal. It also symbolizes the bright future of Pakistan’s speed preservation heritage.
Noman Ali: First Pakistani spinner to achieve this feat
Noman made history on January 24, 2025, when he became the first Pakistan spinner to take a hat-trick in Test cricket. Nonman showcased his craft by dismissing three key batsmen in a row against West Indies at Multan. His hat-trick not only showed his control and cunning but also underlined the growing influence of spin in Pakistan’s cricket narrative. Noman dismissed during West Indies first innings Justin Greaves, Tevin Imlachand Kevin Sinclair Achieve historical feats.