KEY POINTS
- Since his return in October 2024, Noman has taken 42 wickets in nine innings, including three six-wicket hauls and one eight-wicket haul.
- With 66 wickets in just 13 Tests, Noman boasts the best average (22.60) among Pakistan spinners with 50 or more wickets in home Tests.
LAHORE, Pakistan: Pakistan’s Noman Ali wrote his name in the history books on Day 3 of the ongoing first Test against South Africa at Gaddafi Stadium, as he became the spinner with the most six-wicket hauls in home Tests by surpassing the legendary Abdul Qadir.
Noman’s stunning 6-112 performance in the first innings marked his fifth six-wicket haul in home Tests, breaking Qadir’s long-standing record of four.
This historic achievement comes after Noman’s sensational form since his return to the national team in October 2024, having taken five-wicket hauls in his last five Tests, a remarkable feat that has further cemented his reputation as one of the finest spinners in Pakistan’s history.
Historic Milestone
Noman Ali’s record-breaking performance surpassed Qadir’s record, set between 1978-1987, a period that saw Qadir dominate as Pakistan’s premier leg-spinner.
With this achievement, Noman has set a new standard for spin bowlers in home Tests, reinforcing his place in the annals of Pakistan cricket.
Remarkably, Noman’s journey over the past year has been nothing short of extraordinary. Since his return to the national team in October 2024, he has taken 42 wickets in just nine innings, boasting an incredible average of 14.07.
His wickets have come at a steady rate, with one five-wicket haul, three six-wicket hauls, and even an eight-wicket haul to his name, which includes a standout 6-42 performance against England earlier this year in Rawalpindi.
Dominance Among Pakistan Spinners
With 66 wickets from just 13 Tests, Noman currently holds the best average (22.60) among all Pakistan spinners with 50 or more wickets in home Tests. This includes the likes of Iqbal Qasim (111 wickets at 25.15), a legend of Pakistan spin bowling, underscoring Noman’s consistency and impact on home soil.
Noman’s recent record also places him among the top wicket-takers globally in the same period, with only fast bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah (56 wickets), Mohammad Siraj (55 wickets), and Mitchell Starc (44 wickets) surpassing him in terms of wickets since his comeback.
Pakistan’s Top Spin Performers
As Noman rewrites the record books, it’s interesting to note that he is one of just 11 Pakistan spinners who have taken at least one six-wicket haul in home Tests, with Sajid Khan (2) and Abrar Ahmed (1) also featuring in the ongoing series alongside him.
Here’s a look at the top Pakistan spinners with six-wicket hauls in home Tests:
- Noman Ali – 5 (2022-2025)
- Abdul Qadir – 4 (1978-1987)
- Danish Kaneria – 3 (2001-2004)
- Iqbal Qasim – 3 (1980-1982)
- Mushtaq Ahmed – 2 (1996)
- Sajid Khan – 2 (2024)
- Abrar Ahmed – 1 (2022)
- Mohammad Nazir – 1 (1969)
- Pervez Sajjad – 1 (1969)
- Saqlain Mushtaq – 1 (2000)
- Zulfiqar Ahmed – 1 (1955)
Noman Ali’s Five-Plus Wicket Hauls in Tests
Noman’s consistency with the ball has been evident over the years, as he continues to break records with his wicket-taking ability. Here’s a look at his five-plus wicket hauls in Test matches:
- 5-35 vs South Africa, Karachi (2021)
- 5-86 vs Zimbabwe, Harare (2021)
- 6-107 vs Australia, Rawalpindi (2022)
- 7-70 vs Sri Lanka, Colombo (SSC) (2023)
- 8-46 vs England, Multan (2024)
- 6-42 vs England, Rawalpindi (2024)
- 5-39 vs West Indies, Multan (2025)
- 6-41 vs West Indies, Multan (2025)
- 6-112 vs South Africa, Lahore (2025)
Looking Ahead
As the first Test against South Africa progresses, Noman’s record-breaking feat has added to the excitement around Pakistan’s promising spin attack.
With Pakistan’s bowlers dominating, and Noman leading the charge, the home side remains firmly in control of the match.
