At 39, when most cricketers are thinking about retirement, Noman Ali is busy rewriting records. The veteran left-arm spinner produced a spellbinding performance on Day 3 of the opening Test against South Africa at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, that not only tilted the game in Pakistan’s favour but also earned him a place in the record books.
Record-Breaking Spell in Lahore
Noman’s six-wicket haul didn’t just put Pakistan in command with a first-innings lead of 109 runs; it helped him surpass the legendary Iqbal Qasim to become Pakistan’s most successful left-arm spinner in terms of five-wicket hauls.
This was his ninth five-for in Test cricket, moving him one ahead of Qasim’s long-standing record of eight. For decades, Qasim’s name had stood unchallenged among Pakistan’s spin greats, but on Tuesday, Noman made sure it now reads Noman Ali – 9.
He now leads an elite list that includes Pervez Sajjad (3 five-fors), Abdur Rehman, and Zulfiqar Babar (2 each), a testament to his consistency, patience, and longevity in red-ball cricket.
South Africa’s Resistance Crumbles
South Africa began the third morning on 216-6, pinning their hopes on Tony de Zorzi, who looked determined to cut down Pakistan’s lead. The left-hander reached a classy hundred, his second in Tests, playing some fluent strokes along the way.
But just when he seemed settled, it was Noman again who struck, trapping him for a fighting 104. De Zorzi’s innings, decorated with 10 boundaries and two sixes, ended Pakistan’s long wait for the breakthrough and opened the gates for a collapse.
Sajid and Salman Back Up Brilliantly
While Noman stole the headlines, off-spinner Sajid Khan provided crucial support from the other end, removing Senuran Muthusamy early in the day to start South Africa’s slide.
The remaining wickets followed in quick succession, with Noman cleaning up the tail to finish with impressive figures of 6 for 113, while Sajid claimed 3 for 98 and Salman Ali Agha added one to the tally.
South Africa were bundled out for 269 before lunch, handing Pakistan a healthy first-innings advantage, and the perfect platform to push for victory.
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