Pakistan’s seasoned spinner Noman Ali has etched his name into the country’s record books after another stunning performance at home against South Africa.
The 39-year-old was at the top of his game once again in the opening Test against the Proteas, taking six wickets for 122 runs to help his side secure a massive 109-run lead in the first innings in Lahore.
By claiming his ninth Test five-fer, Noman Ali has achieved a feat previously unseen in Pakistan cricket. He now holds the record for the most five-wicket hauls by a left-arm spinner in the country’s history, surpassing Iqbal Qasim, who had eight such performances. Noman has taken five wickets twice each against England, West Indies, and South Africa, and once each against Australia, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe.
Most Five-Wicket Hauls for Pakistan (Left-arm Spinners)
| Player | Five-Wicket Hauls |
|---|---|
| Noman Ali | 9 |
| Iqbal Qasim | 8 |
| Zulfiqar Babar | 2 |
| Nasim-Ul-Ghani | 2 |
Wasim Akram holds the record for most test five-fers for Pakistan outright with 25 followed by Imran Khan (23) and Waqar Younis (22).
The 39-year-old’s remarkable rise to the top of this list is even more impressive considering his late debut for Pakistan at the age of 34 in 2021. Since then, Noman Ali has quietly become a match-winner in home conditions, often breaking partnerships and turning games around with his accurate, attacking bowling. His ability to extract bounce and turn from even placid surfaces has made him an invaluable asset, especially on subcontinent tracks.
Since July 2023, he has arguably been the best bowler in Test cricket worldwide. His 52 wickets at an average of just 15.21 are the best figures in that period (for bowlers with at least 30 wickets), underlining his elite status.
As Pakistan continue to build their spin department for future, Noman’s form and experience could prove crucial, especially with the World Test Championship cycle heating up. For a bowler who waited long for his chance, this record stands as a reminder that patience, hard work, and consistency always pay off.
Honestly, the Sajid Khan and Noman Ali spin duo are a treat to watch. I was very excited when I saw them in the dugout on the 1st day of the test.