Pakistan’s veteran spinner Noman Ali has been nominated for the ICC Player of the Month award after his exploits against England helped Pakistan win its first Test series at home in over 3 years.
The 38-year-old proved invaluable for Pakistan in the recent Test series against England, taking an astounding 20 wickets at an average of 13.85 across the second and third Tests. His stellar performance helped Pakistan stage a dramatic comeback to secure the series victory on home soil.
In the second Test, with Pakistan defending a target of 297, Noman delivered a career-defining spell, dismantling the English line-up with figures of 8/46—his best in Test cricket. His lethal left-arm orthodox bowling rattled the visitors, paving the way for Pakistan’s first Test victory on home ground since 2021.
Noman’s impact continued in the series decider in Rawalpindi.
With Pakistan teetering at 177/7, he displayed resilience with the bat, scoring a crucial 45 to stretch Pakistan’s lead to 77 runs. He then capped off his match-winning performance by taking six wickets in the second innings, bowling England out for a mere 112. This all-around brilliance helped Pakistan clinch the final Test by nine wickets, securing the series emphatically.
For Pakistan, Noman’s sensational performances not only marked a return to winning ways at home but also underscored his role as a match-winner, giving the team a memorable series triumph.
Noman Ali will compete with South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada and New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner for the ICC Player of the Month award.