Pakistan's Noman Ali Breaks All World Records, Becomes The Oldest Player To..

Noman Ali picks a record-breaking 100th Test wicket [Source: AFP]

The first Test of Pakistan’s tour of Bangladesh in Mirpur saw several records tumble over the five days of play, as the hosts held a strong grip on the match on Day 5.

Among the notable records was the left-arm orthodox bowler Noman Ali reaching the landmark of 100 Test wickets in his 22nd Test match for the country. In the process, he surpassed the former all-rounder Abdul Razzaq’s wicket tally, finishing the game with four wickets. He also broke a significant record that had stood for over a century.

Noman Ali becomes the oldest to breach 100 wickets tally in Test

During the early hours of Day 5 of the Test, while the hosts tried to extend their lead close to 250 runs, Noman Ali dismissed the all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz at the 69.1 overs mark. He bowled a classic left-arm spinner’s delivery to a righty bat, as the ball dipped and spun to find Miraz’s edge to the slip.

With the all-important scalp, which was his second in the spell, he got to the 100-wicket mark in Tests and became the oldest bowler to do so. The record was previously held by another left-arm orthodox, Bobby Peel, who retired way back in 1986.

Oldest to 100 Test wickets

1. Noman Ali – 39y 213d

2. Bobby Peel – 39y 180d

3. Ray Illingworth – 39y 30d

4. Clarrie Grimmett – 39y 22d

5. Sydney Barnes – 38y 310d

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Noman Ali defies age

Starting his international career in 2021, Noman Ali was a late bloomer for Pakistan after having toiled for over 100 FC matches, waiting for his debut.

However, since his introduction to Test cricket, he has emerged as one of their most reliable players at home and in Asia, becoming the lead spinner. He played a crucial role in Pakistan's win over England in the 2024 home Test series after going 0-1 down as well.

Now, having played 22 Tests, he has 101 wickets with 9 five-fers and three matches, where he has picked 10 wickets. Noman Ali also masters in containing runs as his economy rate reads 3.09 runs per over, and the best match figures read 7/155.

Bangladesh poised to avoid defeat in Mirpur

In a rain-affected Test match, where Pakistan missed out on taking advantage of three century stands and conceded the first-innings lead of 27 runs, Bangladesh hold a strong grip on the proceedings.

Having scored 413 runs in the first innings, they looked to put on a big total for Pakistan to chase, as they started Day 5 with some intent. Thanks to a fifty from Mominul Haque and Najmul Hossain Shanto, they asked the visitors to chase 268 runs in under a day.

Despite Salman Agha’s bold statements ahead of Day 5, claiming they would even chase down 270, Pakistan got off to a disappointing start. Imam-ul-Haq was dismissed in the first over of the fourth innings on 2 off 5, and was soon followed by the debutant centurion, Azan Awais, after his 15 off 33.

After 14 overs of the chase, Pakistan have 64/2 on the board, which looks promising, but with enough help for the spinners and Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam in the ranks, Bangladesh can run through Pakistan’s middle-order in no time.

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