Noman Ali Six-Wicket Haul Puts Pakistan in Command Against South Africa

Spinner Noman Ali’s brilliant bowling played a key role in helping Pakistan gain control of the first Test against South Africa at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. His exceptional spell of spin bowling limited South Africa to 269 runs, giving Pakistan a first-innings lead of 109 runs on the third day of the match.

South Africa’s Struggle on Day 3

The Proteas began the third morning at 216 for 6, but they failed to build momentum. Spinner Sajid Khan struck early, removing Senuran Muthusamy for 11 runs off 34 balls. This early blow left South Africa in deep trouble at 228 for 7 after 71.4 overs.

Tony de Zorzi, who had been South Africa’s main hope, continued to bat beautifully. He reached his first-ever Test century, displaying confidence and composure at the crease. His innings of 104 runs came off 10 boundaries and one six, but soon after completing the milestone, he was dismissed by Noman Ali, ending South Africa’s resistance.

Simon Harmer and Prenelan Subrayen tried to rebuild the innings, adding a few runs for the lower order. However, Noman’s relentless accuracy broke through once again as he dismissed Subrayen for just four runs, completing his sixth wicket of the innings.

The South African innings came to an end at 269 in 80 overs when Kagiso Rabada was caught off Sajid Khan’s bowling. Sajid finished with figures of 3 for 98, while Salman Ali Agha chipped in with one wicket. But the star of the show was Noman Ali, who ended with 6 for 113, a truly match-changing performance.

Pakistan’s First Innings Foundation

Earlier, on the second day, Pakistan posted a competitive total of 378 runs in their first innings. The batting lineup showed solid teamwork, with Imam-ul-Haq and Salman Ali Agha both missing centuries by just seven runs, scoring 93 each. Captain Shan Masood added 76 off 147 balls, and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan made a confident 75, helping Pakistan build a strong total.

For South Africa, Senuran Muthusamy was the standout performer with the ball, claiming career-best figures of 6 for 117 in 32 overs. Prenelan Subrayen picked up two wickets, while Kagiso Rabada and Simon Harmer each took one.

South Africa’s Early Fightback

When South Africa came out to bat, they started steadily. Openers Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton handled Pakistan’s bowling attack well before lunch, showing patience and good shot selection.

After the break, Markram, who recently became the 18th South African to reach 3,000 Test runs, looked confident but couldn’t convert his start. He was dismissed by Noman Ali for 20 off 37 balls, leaving South Africa at 45 for 1 in 11.5 overs.

Wiaan Mulder then joined Rickelton to form a small partnership, adding important runs to take the score to 75 for 1 in 22 overs. But once again, Noman broke the stand by removing Mulder for 17 off 41 balls, including three boundaries.

De Zorzi and Rickelton’s Resistance

Tony de Zorzi walked in next and had a bit of luck, with a few edges racing to the boundary past the slip cordon. His stroke play helped the team reach 90 for 2 after 26 overs.

During the final session of the second day, Rickelton played with great control and brought up his maiden Test fifty. Alongside de Zorzi, he formed a 94-run partnership that gave South Africa hope. De Zorzi also reached his third Test half-century, and the duo took their side past the 150-run mark.

However, Pakistan found a breakthrough when Salman Ali Agha dismissed Rickelton for a well-made 71 off 137 balls, an innings laced with nine fours and two sixes. This wicket shifted the momentum, leaving South Africa at 174 for 3 in 50.1 overs.

Pakistan Regain Control

The situation quickly worsened for South Africa. Tristan Stubbs was dismissed cheaply for eight runs by Noman Ali, and in the very next over, Sajid Khan sent Dewald Brevis back for a first-ball duck, leaving the visitors struggling at 193 for 5.

Noman continued to weave his magic, trapping Kyle Verreynne leg-before for just two runs off 12 balls. This was his fourth wicket of the innings, tightening Pakistan’s grip on the game.

By the end of South Africa’s innings, Pakistan’s spinners had completely dominated the match. With a 109-run lead, Pakistan now stand in a commanding position as they look to strengthen their advantage in the remaining days of the Test.

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