Pakistan left-arm spinner Noman Ali has etched his name into cricket history after becoming the oldest player ever to reach 100 wickets in Test cricket.
The milestone came during the first Test against Bangladesh at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, adding another remarkable chapter to Noman Ali’s inspiring red-ball journey.
Historic Milestone in Dhaka
Noman Ali reached the 100-wicket mark when he dismissed Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
The breakthrough made him the oldest cricketer in Test history to achieve the milestone.
During the same innings, he also dismissed Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and Taijul Islam, underlining his continued importance to Pakistan’s bowling attack.
Record Broken After Nearly 130 Years
At 39 years and 217 days, Noman surpassed a record that had stood since 1896.
The previous record belonged to England spinner Bobby Peel, who reached 100 Test wickets at 39 years and 180 days.
Noman’s achievement is especially significant because it came nearly 130 years after Bobby Peel set the benchmark.
A Late Bloomer with a Historic Impact
Noman Ali’s Test career began later than most international cricketers.
However, he has consistently delivered match-winning performances for Pakistan.
His rise is one of the most remarkable stories in Pakistan cricket, proving that perseverance and skill can overcome age barriers.
Among Pakistan’s Fastest to 100 Test Wickets
Noman reached the milestone in his 22nd Test match.
That places him among the fastest Pakistani bowlers to complete 100 Test wickets.
He now shares the fifth spot on Pakistan’s all-time list with legendary fast bowler Fazal Mahmood.
Only Yasir Shah, Saeed Ajmal, Waqar Younis, and Mohammad Asif reached the landmark in fewer matches.
Oldest Players to Reach 100 Test Wickets
- Noman Ali (Pakistan) – 39 years, 217 days
- Bobby Peel (England) – 39 years, 180 days
- Ray Illingworth (England) – 39 years, 30 days
- Clarrie Grimmett (Australia) – 39 years, 22 days
- Sydney Barnes (England) – 38 years, 310 days
Fastest Pakistani Bowlers to 100 Test Wickets
- Yasir Shah – 17 Tests
- Saeed Ajmal – 19 Tests
- Waqar Younis – 20 Tests
- Mohammad Asif – 20 Tests
- Noman Ali – 22 Tests
- Fazal Mahmood – 22 Tests
A Landmark for Pakistan Cricket
Noman Ali’s achievement is more than a personal milestone.
It is a proud moment for Pakistan cricket and a reminder that determination can lead to extraordinary success.
By breaking a 130-year-old record, Noman has secured a permanent place in the history of Test cricket.
