Test cricket, a domain demanding skill, patience, and endurance, boasts one of the rarest bowling achievements: the hat-trick. This occurs when a bowler claims three wickets in three consecutive deliveries. Over the years, Pakistan has contributed immensely to cricket, with several of its bowlers achieving this remarkable milestone. This article sheds light on their achievements while celebrating the broader history and uniqueness of Test hat-tricks.

Pakistani Bowlers with Test Hat-Tricks
1. Wasim Akram
A true legend, Wasim Akram remains the only Pakistani bowler with two Test hat-tricks. Both achievements came against Sri Lanka in 1999:

• First Hat-Trick (Lahore): Dismissed Hashan Tillakaratne (lbw), Muttiah Muralitharan (lbw), and Chaminda Vaas (bowled).
• Second Hat-Trick (Dhaka): Dismissed Avishka Gunawardene (lbw), Chamara Silva (bowled), and Chaminda Vaas (lbw).

2. Abdul Razzaq
The pace-bowling all-rounder claimed a hat-trick against Sri Lanka in Galle during 1999-2000:

• Dismissed Romesh Kaluwitharana (lbw), Arjuna Ranatunga (bowled), and Upul Chandana (lbw).

3. Mohammad Sami
Known for his raw pace, Sami secured his hat-trick against Sri Lanka in Lahore (2001-02):

• Dismissed Marvan Atapattu (lbw), Kumar Sangakkara (bowled), and Mahela Jayawardene (lbw).

4. Naseem Shah
This young pacer became the youngest bowler ever to take a Test hat-trick in Rawalpindi against Bangladesh (2020):

• Dismissed Najmul Hossain Shanto (lbw), Taijul Islam (lbw), and Mahmudullah (lbw).

5. Noman Ali
The most recent addition, Noman Ali, etched his name in history as the first Pakistani spinner to achieve this feat. He dismissed the West Indies’ Kraigg Brathwaite (lbw), Jermaine Blackwood (stumped), and Kyle Mayers (lbw) in Multan (2025).

Social Media Highlights on Noman Ali
Noman Ali’s outstanding achievement set social media abuzz with praise from international and Pakistani cricketers alike. Former Pakistani legends Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis hailed his performance as a masterclass in spin bowling, emphasizing its importance for Pakistan’s cricketing legacy.

International cricket icons like Ian Bishop and Michael Vaughan also took to Twitter to commend his historic feat, noting his skill and composure under pressure. The cricketing community on Instagram and Twitter lit up with hashtags like #NomanAli and #TestHatTrick2025 trending globally. Fans celebrated his incredible contribution with creative posts, highlighting the significance of his achievement for the cricketing world.

Global Perspective of Test Hat-Tricks
While Pakistan celebrates its illustrious five hat-tricks, a glance at global statistics underscores the significance of this feat:
1. Australia: 15 hat-tricks
2. England: 13 hat-tricks
3. South Africa: 11 hat-tricks
4. Pakistan: 5 hat-tricks
5. West Indies: 5 hat-tricks
Other notable contributors include:
• New Zealand (4)
• India (3)
• Sri Lanka (3)
• Bangladesh (2)
• Zimbabwe (1)
Noteworthy Test Hat-Trick Facts
First-Ever Hat-Trick: Australia’s Fred Spofforth in 1879.

Unique Feats:
• Jimmy Matthews (Australia) remains the only bowler to secure two hat-tricks in the same Test (1912).
• Merv Hughes (Australia) took a hat-trick across three overs, showcasing unmatched composure.
• Nuwan Zoysa (Sri Lanka) bagged a hat-trick off the first three balls of a Test match (1999).
• Sohag Gazi (Bangladesh) scored a century and took a hat-trick in the same Test.

The Remarkable Feat of Noma Ali
Noman Ali’s hat-trick in 2025 stands out as a testament to his skill and perseverance, especially as a spinner breaking into a predominantly fast-bowler list. Facing the West Indies, Noman’s varied deliveries and intelligent spin claimed key scalps, sparking joy among cricket enthusiasts in Multan and across Pakistan. His performance also highlights the evolving versatility and strength of Pakistani bowling in the modern era.

Preserving a Legacy of Bowling Excellence
Pakistan’s hat-trick achievers have left an indelible mark on cricket’s history. From Wasim Akram’s finesse to Noman Ali’s strategic brilliance, each bowler has demonstrated the blend of talent and determination required to claim three wickets consecutively. As cricket continues to evolve, Pakistan’s rich tradition of producing world-class bowlers ensures that more such milestones will be achieved, inspiring future generations to aim for greatness.