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In A First In 79 Years, Moeen Ali Delivered A 2-Over Hat-Trick At The Oval On This Day

Akshita Patel

Moeen Ali scripted history with hat-trick in 2017 [Source: @cricketontnt/X.com]Moeen Ali scripted history with hat-trick in 2017 [Source: @cricketontnt/X.com]

In a stunning moment that unfolded on July 31, 2017, England all-rounder Moeen Ali achieved something no player had managed at The Oval in nearly eight decades. He claimed the first-ever Test hat‑trick at the iconic venue in a dramatic turnaround.

The occasion was the third Test against South Africa, part of England’s centenary match at the ground (The Oval’s 100th Test). The hosts had set a formidable target of 492, and South Africa began their chase with confidence. But Moeen had other plans. 

Moeen Ali Pulled Off First Test Hat‑Trick At The Oval In 79 Years

In the 76th over, Moeen Ali first dismissed Dean Elgar for a well-played 136, caught at slip by Ben Stokes. Immediately, his next delivery deceived Kagiso Rabada, edging again to Stokes. 

The over ended with Ali on a hat-trick. He continued his spell in the 78th over, and on the very first delivery, Ali trapped Morne Morkel in an LBW dismissal. While the umpire was unmoved, a successful DRS review helped England overturn the on-field call and bowl out South Africa for 252 runs.

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England cricket's tweet [Source: @englandcricket/X.com]England cricket's tweet [Source: @englandcricket/X.com]

Moeen Ali became the first English spinner since Tom Goddard in 1938 to take a Test hat‑trick and the first player to seal a Test win with a hat‑trick in over a century.  It was also the third occasion in Test history where a hat‑trick ended the match. 

Owing to Ali’s brilliance, England secured a commanding 239-run victory and a 2-1 lead in the series.

Moeen’s performance in that series was extraordinary. He finished as the top wicket-taker with 25 wickets while also scoring over 250 runs, becoming the only player in a four-match Test series to achieve both milestones.