Pakistan’s spin duo, Sajid Khan and Noman Ali, have rewritten history by taking all 20 wickets in a match, breaking a 52-year-old record dating back to 1972. The pair, initially not the first-choice picks for Pakistan’s playing XI in the Test series against England, leveraged their vast domestic experience to leave an indelible mark. Their exceptional performances not only caught the attention of fans but also impressed the selectors, solidifying their place in the squad.
Their unwavering dedication played a pivotal role in helping Pakistan break its losing streak, following defeats to Australia and Bangladesh, and secure a much-needed victory over the visiting England side. This triumph provided a breath of relief for the team’s captain, Shan Masood, the coaching staff, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Sajid and Noman’s remarkable feat places them in elite company, becoming only the second Pakistani bowling pair to take all 20 wickets in a Test match. The first duo to achieve this remarkable feat was Fazal Mahmood and Khan Mahmood, who did so against Australia in 1956.
Other iconic bowling pairs that have achieved similar success include Hugh Trumble and Monty Noble (Australia vs. England, 1902), George Hirst and Colin Blythe (England vs Australia, 1909), Bert Vogler and Aubrey Faulkner (South Africa vs England, 1910), and Jim Laker and Tony Lock (England vs Australia, 1956). More recently, Dennis Lillee and Bob Massie (Australia vs England, 1972) also made this prestigious list.
Now, with their names etched in cricketing history, Sajid Khan and Noman Ali have become the latest to join this exclusive club, marking a significant moment in Pakistan’s cricket legacy.
