KEY POINTS
- Noman is now just 29 points behind India’s Jasprit Bumrah
- Noman joins an exclusive group of Pakistani bowlers to exceed the 850-point mark
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani spinner Noman Ali has climbed to a career-best second position in the ICC Test bowling rankings after his match-winning 10-wicket haul against South Africa in Lahore, moving within reach of India’s Jasprit Bumrah at the top.
Noman’s remarkable feat comes on the back of his stellar 10-wicket match haul in Lahore, which helped Pakistan secure a 93-run victory over South Africa in the opening Test.
His efforts have earned him a career-high rating of 853 points, propelling him four spots up the rankings, overtaking South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada, who now sits fifth.
With 853 rating points, Noman is now within striking distance of India’s Jasprit Bumrah, who remains at the top with 882 rating points.
New Zealand’s Matt Henry occupies the third spot with 846 points, while Pat Cummins from Australia holds fourth.
The 2025 series opener at Gaddafi Stadium saw Noman take 6/112 and 4/79 in South Africa’s two innings, further solidifying his status as one of the premier spinners in world cricket.
His performance in this series, following a sensational run of form earlier in the year, has earned him widespread recognition.
This achievement also marks Noman’s entry into an exclusive group of Pakistani bowlers who have crossed the 850-point mark in the ICC Test rankings.
Imran Khan, Waqar Younis, Fazal Mahmood, Yasir Shah, Shoaib Akhtar, and Saeed Ajmal are the other Pakistani bowlers to have achieved this distinction.
Noman has now surpassed the best ratings of legendary Pakistani bowlers like Mohammad Abbas (838) and Shaheen Shah Afridi (836).
“I am really grateful for the support of my team, and it is a great honour to be ranked among the best bowlers in the world,” Noman said, talking to media.
“It’s been a long journey, and I hope to continue working hard to keep improving and bring more success to Pakistan.”
While Noman shines, fellow Pakistan bowler Shaheen Afridi has also seen a rise in the rankings, moving up three places to 19th with 661 points.
Meanwhile, spinner Sajid Khan holds his position at 21st. Mohammad Abbas and Naseem Shah remain steady at 27th and 34th, respectively.
New Era for Pakistan’s Bowlers
Noman’s success follows a rich history of exceptional Pakistan fast bowlers and spinners in Test cricket.
The 2025 season has shown that Pakistan’s bowling depth continues to thrive, with Noman Ali now at the forefront.
The team’s future looks bright with the likes of Noman, Shaheen, and Abbas, whose collective performances have kept Pakistan in contention against some of the best teams in the world.
The series between Pakistan and South Africa continues, with the second Test currently underway in Rawalpindi.
