Noman Ali Achieves Milestone with Six-Wicket Hauls in Home Tests

LAHORE: During the recent Test match held at the Gaddafi Stadium against South Africa, Pakistani spinner Noman Ali accomplished a remarkable feat.

Pakistan, after winning the toss and batting first, posted a total of 378 runs. Notable contributions came from Imam-ul-Haq and Salman Ali Agha, both scoring 93 runs, while Shan Masood and Mohammad Rizwan added 76 and 75 runs, respectively. For South Africa, Senuran Muthusamy claimed 6 wickets for 117 runs.

Subsequently, Noman Ali showcased his bowling prowess by taking 6 wickets for 112 runs. This included the crucial dismissal of Tony de Zorzi, who scored 104 runs. Noman’s efforts helped restrict South Africa to 269 runs, granting Pakistan a significant lead of 109 runs.

This outstanding display has propelled Noman to the top, now possessing the most six-wicket hauls (five) by a Pakistani spinner in Test matches played on home soil. He surpassed Abdul Qadir’s previous record of four, which was set between 1978 and 1987.

Notably, Noman has secured a five-wicket haul in each of his five Test appearances since his return to the team in October of the previous year.

Among Pakistani spinners with a minimum of 50 wickets in home Tests, Noman boasts the highest average. He has secured 66 wickets at an average of 22.60, surpassing Iqbal Qasim’s record of 111 wickets at an average of 25.15.

Since rejoining the team, Noman has claimed 42 wickets in nine innings, maintaining an impressive average of 14.07. His achievements include one five-wicket haul, three six-wicket hauls, and one eight-wicket haul.

During this period, no other spinner has taken more wickets than Noman. Only fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah (56), Mohammed Siraj (55), and Mitchell Starc (44) have surpassed his record globally.