Sun Jan 26 01:56:18 UTC 2025: ## Pakistani Spinner Noman Ali Makes History with Test Hat-Trick

**MULTAN, PAKISTAN** – Noman Ali etched his name in Pakistan cricket history on Day 1 of the second Test against the West Indies, becoming the first-ever Pakistani spinner to claim a Test hat-trick. His remarkable feat, achieved in the 12th over, left the West Indies reeling at 38/7 after they had elected to bat first.

Ali dismissed Justin Greaves (caught by Babar Azam), Tevin Imlach (first-ball sweep), and Kevin Sinclair (caught by Babar Azam) in consecutive deliveries. Prior to this, all Pakistani Test hat-tricks had been taken by pace bowlers, with Wasim Akram achieving the feat twice. At 38, Ali is the second-oldest player to take a Test hat-trick after Sri Lanka’s Rangana Herath.

Despite the early collapse, the West Indies tail wagged, with Gudakesh Motie scoring a maiden Test half-century (55). Motie, along with Kemar Roach (25) and Jomel Warrican (36*), helped the visitors reach 163 before lunch. However, Noman Ali ultimately finished with impressive figures of 6/41. Sajid Khan contributed two wickets, and Kashif Ali claimed one on his Test debut.

Pakistan’s decision to play on turning pitches at home has been defended by head coach Aaqib Javed, who argued that such pitches are crucial for the team’s success in the World Test Championship. He stated that preparing pitches to suit home conditions is standard practice in Test cricket.

Pakistan won the first Test against the West Indies, also played in Multan.

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