Noman Ali achieved a historic milestone by becoming Pakistan's first spinner to claim a hat trick, as West Indies were bowled out for 163 on Saturday during the first day of the second Test in Multan.
The spinner delivered an impressive performance with figures of 6-41, whilst his compatriot Sajid Khan contributed with 2-64, leading to the visitors' dismissal in 41.1 overs after they chose to bat first upon winning the toss.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!
The tourists' situation could have been more dire if not for Gudakesh Motie's career-best 55, which included a crucial 68-run partnership for the final wicket with Jomel Warrican, who remained unbeaten on 36, including two sixes.
Before lunch, Motie had also formed a significant 41-run partnership for the ninth wicket with Kemar Roach (25). Noman subsequently claimed the final two wickets, securing his eighth five-wicket haul in an innings.
Pakistan opted for their successful strategy from the first Test in Multan, where they secured a 127-run victory, by deploying spin bowlers extensively, with the pitch offering turn from the opening over.
Noman, introduced as the first bowling change, dismissed West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite for nine through an LBW decision, triggering a dramatic collapse. The visitors' score plummeted from 32-2 to 38-8 in a mere 14 deliveries.
In a remarkable spell, Noman removed Justin Greaves for one run, followed by the consecutive dismissals of Tevin Imlach and Kevin Sinclair, achieving a Test hat-trick and joining an elite group of only five Pakistan bowlers to accomplish this feat.
Pakistan's previous hat-trick achievers in fast bowling include Wasim Akram (two hat tricks against Sri Lanka in 1999), Abdul Razzaq (against Sri Lanka in 2000), Mohammad Sami (against Sri Lanka in 2002), and Naseem Shah (against Bangladesh in 2020).
Sajid, bowling off-spin, removed both newcomer Amir Jangoo and Alick Athanaze for ducks, whilst Abrar Ahmed claimed Kavem Hodge's wicket.
In his maiden over, newcomer pace bowler Kashif Ali dismissed Mikyle Louis for four runs.
