Noman Ali Sets New Record as Oldest Player to Reach 100 Test Wickets
Historic Achievement by Noman Ali
In a remarkable display during the first Test match against Bangladesh on May 12, Pakistan's Noman Ali shattered a 130-year-old record at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, despite his team's loss. The 39-year-old cricketer claimed three wickets in the second innings, helping to restrict Bangladesh to 240-9, which set a target of 268 runs for Pakistan. Noman's bowling figures concluded at 3-76, with key dismissals including Bangladesh's captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Taijul Islam. He had previously taken one wicket in the first innings, dismissing Mominul Haque for 91, finishing with figures of 1-80.
Noman Ali Makes History
With the wicket of Mehidy, Noman Ali reached a significant milestone, becoming the oldest player to achieve 100 wickets in Test cricket. This record was previously held by English spinner Bobby Peel since 1896.
Oldest Players to Achieve 100 Test Wickets
| Player | Age | Year | Bowling Type |
| Noman Ali | 39 Years, 213 Days | 2026 | Left-Arm Spinner |
| Bobby Peel | 39 Years, 180 Days | 1896 | Left-Arm Spinner |
| Ray Illingworth | 39 Years, 30 Days | 1971 | Right-Arm Off-Spinner |
| Clarrie Grimmett | 39 Years, 22 Days | 1931 | Leg-Spinner |
| Sydney Barnes | 39 Years, 312 Days | 1912 | Right-Arm Pacer |
Noman made his Test debut in 2021 against South Africa in Karachi, becoming the seventh oldest player to debut for Pakistan at the age of 34 years and 111 days. Since then, he has participated in 22 Test matches, taking a total of 101 wickets, which includes nine five-wicket hauls and three ten-wicket matches. Last year, he achieved a hat trick against the West Indies, making him the second oldest player to do so, following Sri Lanka's Rangana Herath. Additionally, Noman is tied for the fifth-fastest Pakistani player to reach this milestone in terms of matches played.