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Noman Ali joins Saqlain Mushtaq with sensational ten-wicket haul in PAK vs SA 1st Test

Debashis Sarangi

Noman Ali recorded his third ten-fer in Tests [Source: AFP]Noman Ali recorded his third ten-fer in Tests [Source: AFP]

Veteran spinner Noman Ali extended his purple patch in Test cricket, registering a clinical ten-wicket haul in Pakistan's ongoing match against South Africa at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The left-arm spinner's sublime spell helped Pakistan claim the driving seat, reducing South Africa to 137 for six before the lunch break on day 4. Noman's ten-wicket haul also helped him join the legendary Saqlain Mushtaq on the list of Pakistani bowlers with the most ten-wicket hauls in Test cricket. 

Noman Ali bags third ten-fer in Test cricket

Hailed for his ability to bamboozle the opposition with sheer guile and variations, Noman Ali has enjoyed stellar success in Tests since 2024. He bagged his first-ever ten-fer against England in Multan last year before replicating a similar feat against the West Indies at the same venue earlier this year. 

However, his third ten-fer couldn't come at a better time as he dismantled a formidable South African batting order with sheer class and accuracy. Noman, who triggered South Africa's collapse by scalping six wickets in the first innings, has already taken four of the six scalps in the second innings so far. His magnificent spell on Lahore's spin-friendly pitch helped him equal the legendary Saqlain Mushtaq's tally of ten-fers in Test cricket. 

Most ten-wicket hauls for Pakistan in Test cricket

Bowler
Ten-fers in Tests
Imran Khan6
Abdul Qadir5
Waqar Younis5
Wasim Akram5
Fazal Mahmood4
Saeed Ajmal4
Mushtaq Ahmed3
Noman Ali3
Saqlain Mushtaq3

As mentioned in the above table, the talismanic Imran Khan holds the record for the most Test ten-fers for Pakistan, while Noman Ali has the equal number of ten-fers as Mushtaq Ahmed and Saqlain Mushtaq. 

Saqlain took 49 Tests to take three ten-fers, while Noman has achieved it in just 20 Tests, showcasing his prowess in the longest format of the game. Although he has middling numbers in away Tests, Noman's ability to capitalise on home conditions has made him a reliable weapon for Pakistan on home soil.