MIRPUR: At an age when most cricketers hang up their boots, Pakistan’s left-arm spinner Noman Ali has carved his name into the record books. On Tuesday, during the first Test against Bangladesh at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, the 39-year-old became the oldest player in Test history to complete 100 wickets.
Noman reached the coveted milestone by dismissing Bangladesh’s Mehidy Hasan Miraz, joining an elite group of Pakistani bowlers as the ninth spinner and 20th overall to achieve the feat. Earlier in the innings, he also claimed the crucial scalps of Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and Taijul Islam.
An important milestone for Noman Ali! 👏
He completes 1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ Test wickets ✨#BANvPAK pic.twitter.com/ZepOndqnMX
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) May 12, 2026
Record-Breaking Feat
At 39 years and 217 days, Noman surpassed former England spinner Bobby Peel, who reached 100 wickets in 1896 at the age of 39 years and 180 days.
Oldest Players to Reach 100 Test Wickets (Simple Stats)
Rank Player Country Age
1 Noman Ali Pakistan 39 years, 217 days
2 Bobby Peel England 39 years, 180 days
3 Ray Illingworth England 39 years, 30 days
4 Clarrie Grimmett Australia 39 years, 22 days
5 Sydney Barnes England 38 years, 310 days
Noman Ali becomes the oldest player to complete 100 Test wickets, achieving the feat at 39 years 213 days.💥
39y 213d – Noman Ali 🇵🇰
39y 180d – Bobby Peel 🏴
39y 30d – Ray Illingworth 🏴 pic.twitter.com/OsXHT3lZL8— Abdul Rehman Yaseen (@Aryaseen5911) May 12, 2026
Equalling a Pakistan Legend
The 39-year-old also reached another significant landmark. Noman became the joint fourth-fastest Pakistani bowler to claim 100 Test wickets, achieving the feat in his 22nd Test match. In doing so, he equalled the record of legendary pacer Fazal Mahmood.
