MIRPUR: Pakistan left-arm spinner Noman Ali has carved his name into cricket history by becoming the oldest player to reach 100 wickets in Test cricket, achieving the milestone during the opening Test against Bangladesh in Mirpur on Tuesday.
The 39-year-old reached the landmark when he dismissed Bangladesh all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz for 24 in the second innings, bringing up his 100th Test wicket in style during a key spell.
At 39 years and 217 days, Noman broke a record that had stood since 1896, surpassing England’s Bobby Peel, who previously held the mark at 39 years and 180 days. He now leads a list of veteran greats that includes Ray Illingworth, Clarrie Grimmett, and Sydney Barnes.
The spinner also made crucial breakthroughs in the match, including the wickets of Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and Taijul Islam, further strengthening his impact in the contest.
Noman reached the 100-wicket milestone in just his 22nd Test, making him the joint fourth-fastest Pakistani bowler to achieve the feat, alongside former pacer Fazal Mahmood. Pakistan’s fastest remains leg-spinner Yasir Shah, who reached the landmark in 17 Tests.
Born in Sanghar, Noman made his Test debut in 2021 against South Africa in Karachi at the age of 34, impressing immediately with a five-wicket haul in his first match. Since then, he has grown into a key spin option for Pakistan, now holding more than 100 Test wickets at an average of around 25.
Pakistan’s all-time leading Test wicket-taker is Wasim Akram with 414 wickets, followed by Waqar Younis and Imran Khan.
