In the storied history of Test cricket, the hat-trick stands out as one of the rarest and most electrifying feats. In the era of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC), this achievement has become even more coveted, highlighting not only individual brilliance but also skilful command under the intense scrutiny of world cricket. Since the inauguration of the World Test Championship in 2019, only a select few bowlers have managed to claim this honor, etching their names into cricketing folklore.
Hat-tricks in ICC World Test Championship
From Jasprit Bumrah’s sharp burst in Kingston in 2019 to Scott Boland’s latest heroics in 2025, just six bowlers have managed to take Test hat-tricks in WTC contests. This elite list reflects not just raw pace or spin wizardry but also nerves of steel and clinical execution.
The path was blazed by Jasprit Bumrah for India against the West Indies at Kingston in 2019. Bumrah, renowned for his unique action and potent late swing, dismantled the Caribbean batting line-up with precision. His hat-trick—dismissing Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks and Roston Chase in successive deliveries—underscored his rise as one of the most dangerous fast bowlers of his generation.
Soon in 2020, Naseem Shah became the youngest to do it for Pakistan, sealing a win against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi. At just 16, Naseem’s raw speed and prodigious movement left the opposition in tatters, adding another illustrious chapter to Pakistan’s rich pace-bowling legacy.
Keshav Maharaj claimed a famous hat-trick in 2021, spinning South Africa to victory over the West Indies at Gros Islet. Maharaj’s triple-strike demonstrated the enduring threat of quality spin in an era increasingly dominated by fast bowlers.
The WTC also witnessed new entries with Gus Atkinson of England, who stunned New Zealand at Wellington in 2024, and the historic feat by Noman Ali for Pakistan in Multan in 2025, where he became the country’s first-ever Test hat-trick-taking spinner. Noman’s scalps included Justin Greaves, Tevin Imlach and Kevin Sinclair—all dismissed with deft flight and sharp turn, reaffirming the spinner’s value on subcontinental wickets.
The list most recently expanded when Australia’s Scott Boland ripped through the West Indies lineup at Kingston on July 14, 2025. Boland, famed for his relentless accuracy and bounce, capitalized on lively conditions. His three-wicket burst not only broke the back of the West Indies batting but played a pivotal role in securing a series triumph for Australia.
Also WATCH: Scott Boland becomes first bowler to pick up a hat-trick in Day-Night Tests
Cricket’s most exclusive club
Securing a hat-trick in Test cricket is a career-defining moment—doing so in the pressure-cooker of the WTC raises it to a new level. Boland’s names now stand alongside superstars of the game, celebrated by fans and feared by opponents. His performance against the West Indies exemplify the relentless pursuit of excellence in every delivery.
| Bowler | Team | Opposition | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jasprit Bumrah | India | West Indies | Kingston | 2019 |
| Naseem Shah | Pakistan | Bangladesh | Rawalpindi | 2020 |
| Keshav Maharaj | South Africa | West Indies | Gros Islet | 2021 |
| Gus Atkinson | England | New Zealand | Wellington | 2024 |
| Noman Ali | Pakistan | West Indies | Multan | 2025 |
| Scott Boland | Australia | West Indies | Kingston | 2025 |
As the WTC cycle continues and the competition grows fiercer, hat-tricks remain a testament to cricket’s enduring capacity for drama and surprise. Each wicket, each moment of disbelief, will be replayed countless times, echoing the excitement that only this format can deliver.
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