The opening Test of Pakistan’s tour of Bangladesh in Mirpur produced several notable records across five days, with the hosts holding a strong position on the final day.
One of the biggest milestones came through Pakistan left-arm spinner Noman Ali, who completed 100 wickets in Test cricket during his 22nd match. In doing so, he moved past former Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq’s tally and also broke a record that had stood for more than a century.
Noman Becomes Oldest Bowler to 100 Test Wickets
Early on Day 5, as Bangladesh looked to stretch their lead close to 250, Noman dismissed Mehidy Hasan Miraz at the 69.1-over mark. The delivery dipped and turned away from the right-hander, taking the edge through to slip.
That wicket, his second of the spell, took Noman to the 100-wicket mark in Tests and made him the oldest bowler to reach the milestone. The previous record belonged to fellow left-arm orthodox bowler Bobby Peel.
Oldest Bowlers to 100 Test Wickets
- Noman Ali – 39y 213d
- Bobby Peel – 39y 180d
- Ray Illingworth – 39y 30d
- Clarrie Grimmett – 39y 22d
- Sydney Barnes – 38y 310d
Noman Ali Continues to Defy Age
Noman made his international debut in 2021 after a long wait in domestic cricket, having played more than 100 first-class matches before earning his Pakistan call-up.
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Since entering Test cricket, he has become one of Pakistan’s most dependable bowlers in home and Asian conditions, establishing himself as their lead spinner. He was also influential in Pakistan’s 2024 home Test series win over England after they had fallen 0-1 behind.
After 22 Tests, Noman now has 101 wickets, including nine five-wicket hauls and three 10-wicket match returns. He has also maintained strong control, with an economy rate of 3.09 and best match figures of 7/155.
Bangladesh Take Control in Mirpur
In a rain-affected Test, Pakistan were unable to fully capitalise on three century stands and ended up conceding a 27-run first-innings lead. Bangladesh, who made 413 in their first innings, pushed ahead on the final day as they looked to set Pakistan a challenging target.
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Half-centuries from Mominul Haque and Najmul Hossain Shanto helped Bangladesh ask the visitors to chase 268 in less than a day.
Despite Salman Agha’s confident comments before Day 5 about Pakistan being willing to chase around 270, the visitors began poorly. Imam-ul-Haq fell in the first over of the fourth innings for 2 off 5, before debutant centurion Azan Awais was dismissed for 15 off 33.
After 14 overs, Pakistan were 64 for 2. While the score offered some promise, Bangladesh still had enough spin options, including Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam, to threaten Pakistan’s middle order on a surface offering assistance.
