Several Pakistani bowlers have taken remarkable hat-tricks in Test cricket, contributing to key victories. These bowlers achieved this feat in crucial matches against teams like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the West Indies. Their hat-tricks played pivotal roles in their team’s success, showcasing their skill and impact on the game.
1. Wasim Akram vs Sri Lanka, Lahore, 1999
Wasim Akram, the legendary fast bowler, became the first Pakistani to take a hat-trick in Test cricket. He achieved this milestone during the Asian Test Championship match against Sri Lanka in Lahore. Akram took three consecutive wickets—Romesh Kaluwitharana, Niroshan Bandaratilleke, and Pramodya Wickramasinghe—during Sri Lanka’s first innings. His quick dismissal of Sri Lanka’s tail helped Pakistan gain a 70-run lead. The match, however, ended in a draw.
2. Wasim Akram vs Sri Lanka, Dhaka, 1999
Just a week after his first Test hat-trick, Wasim Akram claimed his second against Sri Lanka in the final of the Asian Test Championship in Dhaka. Sri Lanka had conceded a 363-run first innings deficit and were bowled out for 188 in their second innings. Akram took three wickets in consecutive balls across two overs: dismissing Avishka Gunawardene and Chaminda Vaas on the last two balls of his first over, followed by Mahela Jayawardene on the first ball of his second. Pakistan won the final by an innings and 175 runs.
3. Abdul Razzaq vs Sri Lanka, Galle, 2000
Abdul Razzaq, the fast-bowling all-rounder, became the second Pakistani bowler to achieve a Test hat-trick during a match against Sri Lanka in Galle in 2000. In Sri Lanka’s first innings, Razzaq dismissed three lower-order batsmen—Romesh Kaluwitharana, Rangana Herath, and Ravindra Pushpakumara—in consecutive deliveries. His performance helped bowl Sri Lanka out for 181. Pakistan’s dominant performance continued as they gained a massive lead and eventually won the match by an innings and 163 runs. Razzaq’s hat-trick was a significant contribution to Pakistan’s comprehensive victory, highlighting his crucial role in the team’s success.
4. Mohammad Sami vs Sri Lanka, Lahore, 2002
In the final of the 2002 Asian Test Championship, former Pakistani speedster Mohammad Sami took a hat-trick, though it came in a losing cause. After Pakistan’s first innings of 234, Sri Lanka piled up 528 runs, led by Kumar Sangakkara’s double century. Sami dismissed Charitha Buddhika, Nuwan Zoysa, and Muthiah Muralidaran in consecutive deliveries to complete his hat-trick. However, the hat-trick came too late as Sri Lanka had already built a huge lead, eventually winning by eight wickets.
5. Naseem Shah vs Bangladesh, Rawalpindi, 2020
In the first Test of Bangladesh’s 2020 tour of Pakistan, fast bowler Naseem Shah took a hat-trick in Bangladesh’s second innings at Rawalpindi. Pakistan had gained a commanding first-innings lead of 212 runs and bowled Bangladesh out for 168, winning by an innings. Naseem achieved his hat-trick by dismissing Najmul Hossain Shanto, Taijul Islam, and Mahmudullah in three consecutive deliveries. This remarkable achievement sealed an impressive victory for Pakistan, showcasing Naseem’s talent and precision. His hat-trick was a crucial moment in the match, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s dominant performance.
6. Noman Ali vs West Indies, Multan, 2025
Noman Ali made history in January 2025 by becoming the first Pakistani spinner to take a Test hat-trick. This remarkable feat came during the second Test of the series against West Indies in Multan. Ali claimed a six-wicket haul in West Indies’ first innings, helping bowl them out for 163 runs. His hat-trick victims were Justin Greaves, Tevin Imlach, and Kevin Sinclair. Ali’s performance played a key role in Pakistan’s dominant position in the match.
