Pakistan’s seasoned left-arm spinner, Noman Ali, etched his name in the record books with a phenomenal performance that helped Pakistan clinch a 93-run victory over South Africa in the opening Test at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Wednesday.
The 39-year-old spinner played a defining role in Pakistan’s win, dismantling South Africa’s batting lineup as the visitors fell for just 183 runs while chasing 277. Noman’s guile and accuracy, combined with Shaheen Shah Afridi’s fiery pace and swing, proved too much for the Proteas. The duo claimed eight wickets in the second innings, with Noman taking six crucial scalps in the first innings earning him his third ten-wicket haul in Test cricket.
With this performance, Noman surpassed a long-standing national record held by the legendary Abdul Qadir, who had claimed 44 wickets between his 48th and 52nd Tests during the 1987–88 season. Noman now holds the record for the most wickets by a Pakistani bowler in five consecutive Tests, bagging an astounding 46 wickets in that span a feat unmatched in nearly four decades.
Over the past year, Noman has quietly emerged as the most successful spinner in world cricket, displaying remarkable consistency and control. His recent exploits include 10 wickets against South Africa in Lahore, 16 wickets in the two-match series against the West Indies, and another 20 wickets against England during the home series 11 in Multan and 9 in Rawalpindi.
Noman’s rise reflects not only his personal determination but also Pakistan’s growing strength in the spin department. His success has fortified the team’s bowling attack and played a pivotal role in giving Pakistan a 1–0 lead in the two-match series.
The second and final Test will be held in Rawalpindi from October 20 to 24, where Pakistan will look to complete a clean sweep and continue their strong march in the World Test Championship.
