Sajid Khan and Noman Ali achieved a rare feat by sharing all 20 wickets in Pakistan’s second Test match against England at the Multan Cricket Stadium. This performance not only secured Pakistan’s first home Test victory in over three years but also placed them in an exclusive club of bowlers who have accomplished this milestone.
Historic feat in Multan
During the second Test, Sajid Khan claimed 9 wickets while Noman Ali took 11, completely dismantling the English batting line-up. This remarkable performance marked the seventh instance in Test cricket where two bowlers from the same team took all 20 wickets in a match. The duo’s effort not only dominated the headlines but also highlighted the significance of spin bowling in subcontinental conditions.
Here’s a look at seven instances when two bowlers took all 20 wickets in a Test match:
| Bowlers | Wickets taken | Opposition | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monty Noble & Hugh Trumble | 13 & 7 | ENG | Melbourne | 1902 |
| Colin Blythe & Geoff Hurst | 11 & 9 | AUS | Birmingham | 1909 |
| Bert Vogler & Aubrey Faulkner | 12 & 8 | ENG | Johannesburg | 1910 |
| Jim Laker & Tony Lock | 19 & 1 | AUS | Manchester | 1956 |
| Fazal Mahmood & Khan Mohammad | 13 & 7 | AUS | Karachi | 1956 |
| Bob Massie & Denis Lillee | 16 & 4 | ENG | Lord’s | 1972 |
| Sajid Khan & Noman Ali | 9 & 11 | ENG | Multan | 2024 |
Also READ: Top 5 lowest totals by India in Test cricket
Early Examples: Noble and Trumble
The first recorded instance of two bowlers taking all wickets occurred in 1902, when Monty Noble and Hugh Trumble combined to take all 20 wickets against England in Melbourne. This early example set the stage for future bowling partnerships.
Blythe and Hurst’s contribution
In 1909, Colin Blythe and Geoff Hurst achieved this feat against Australia in Birmingham, showcasing the effectiveness of spin bowling during that era.
Laker and Lock: A legendary duo
One of the most famous instances occurred in 1956, when English spinners Jim Laker and Tony Lock dominated the Australian side at Manchester. Laker’s incredible haul of 19 wickets remains a record for the most wickets taken by a bowler in a single Test match.
Mahmood and Khan Mohammad’s magic in Karachi
In another notable performance, Fazal Mahmood and Khan Mohammad took all wickets against Australia in Karachi in 1956, further highlighting the prowess of Pakistani bowlers during that period.
Massie and Lillee’s masterclass
In the early ’70s, Bob Massie and Dennis Lillee combined to take all wickets against England at Lord’s in 1972, cementing their place as one of cricket’s most formidable bowling pairs.
Sajid and Noman’s spin web around England
In the recent Test match, Sajid Khan (9/204) and Noman Ali (11/147) led Pakistan to a convincing victory against England by 152 runs. Their combined efforts dismantled the English batting lineup, marking a significant achievement for both bowlers and the team.