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LAHORE: Pakistan’s seasoned spinner Noman Ali carved his name into the record books on Tuesday, surpassing the legendary Iqbal Qasim’s tally of five-wicket hauls during the opening Test against South Africa at the Gaddafi Stadium.
The 39-year-old left-armer delivered a masterful spell, picking up six wickets in the innings to guide Pakistan into a dominant position with a first-innings lead of 109 runs.
His latest effort marked his ninth five-wicket haul in Test cricket, making him the most successful Pakistani left-arm spinner in terms of five-fors, one ahead of Iqbal Qasim, who held the record for decades with eight.
Noman now stands alone atop an elite list that includes Pervez Sajjad (3 five-fors), Abdur Rehman, and Zulfiqar Babar (2 each), underscoring his consistency and longevity in the longest format.
South Africa, resuming the third day on 216-6, were relying heavily on Tony de Zorzi to narrow Pakistan’s advantage.
The left-hander brought up a fine century, his second in Tests, but fell soon after for a gritty 104 off Noman’s bowling, ending an innings decorated with 10 fours and two sixes.
Off-spinner Sajid Khan provided crucial support from the other end, removing Senuran Muthusamy early in the session to open the floodgates.
The remaining wickets came quickly, with South Africa bowled out for 269 before lunch.
Simon Harmer remained unbeaten on 19 as Noman cleaned up the tail to finish with impressive figures of 6 for 113, while Sajid bagged 3 for 98 and Salman Ali Agha chipped in with one.
READ: Noman Ali helps Pakistan book South Africa for 269 in first Test
