🏆 Noman Ali Overtakes Abdul Qadir’s Home Test Record — A Historic Spin Milestone in Lahore
Pakistan cricket witnessed another golden chapter unfold at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, as Noman Ali etched his name into the record books. The left-arm spinner surpassed the legendary Abdul Qadir’s record for the most six-wicket hauls by a Pakistan spinner in home Tests — an achievement that highlights both his consistency and evolution as a world-class performer.
In an era where fast bowlers often dominate headlines, Noman’s brilliance reminds the world of Pakistan’s timeless spin tradition. His spell of 6-112 against South Africa was not just another performance — it was a statement.
🇵🇰 The Match Context: Pakistan vs South Africa 1st Test, Lahore 2025
The Test at Lahore had all the ingredients of a classic — centuries, collapses, comebacks, and most importantly, history in the making.
Pakistan’s first innings saw a team effort rather than an individual century.
- Imam-ul-Haq (93) and Salman Ali Agha (93) led the way with class and calmness.
- Shan Masood (76) and Mohammad Rizwan (75) ensured Pakistan crossed 378, setting a solid foundation.
- South Africa’s Senuran Muthusamy fought back valiantly, taking 6-117, but Pakistan’s batting depth shone through.
The match, however, turned dramatically once Noman Ali began weaving his magic.
🌀 Noman Ali’s Magical Spell: 6 for 112 That Changed the Game
When South Africa began their reply, they looked comfortable at one stage, thanks to Tony de Zorzi’s gritty 104. But Noman Ali had other plans.
He bowled with superb control, extracting just enough turn and bounce to trouble every batter.
Each wicket told a story — of patience, precision, and pure cricketing intelligence.
From trapping right-handers with arm balls to deceiving left-handers with drift, Noman showcased the full arsenal of a modern spinner.
His 6-112 not only dismantled South Africa’s middle order but also gave Pakistan a 109-run first-innings lead — a decisive advantage.
📊 Breaking the Record: Surpassing Abdul Qadir’s Legendary Feat
For over three decades, Abdul Qadir’s record stood untouched. The master of leg-spin, who terrorized batters between 1978 and 1987, had four six-wicket hauls in home Tests.
Now, Noman Ali has five.
This makes him Pakistan’s most successful home Test spinner in terms of six-wicket performances.
| Spinner | Six-Wicket Hauls (Home Tests) | Period |
|---|---|---|
| Noman Ali | 5 | 2021–2025 |
| Abdul Qadir | 4 | 1978–1987 |
| Saeed Ajmal | 3 | 2009–2014 |
| Yasir Shah | 3 | 2014–2020 |
But numbers only tell part of the story. What truly stands out is Noman’s impact and consistency since his comeback.
🔥 The Comeback Story: From Overlooked Veteran to Record-Breaking Spinner
Few players in modern cricket have had a comeback as powerful as Noman Ali’s. After being sidelined for a significant period, he returned to the Test setup in October 2024, more focused, fitter, and sharper than ever.
Since his return, Noman has taken 42 wickets in nine innings at an astonishing average of 14.07 — including:
- 1️⃣ Five-wicket haul
- 3️⃣ Six-wicket hauls
- 1️⃣ Eight-wicket haul
No other spinner in the world has been as effective during this period. Only fast bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah (56), Mohammed Siraj (55), and Mitchell Starc (44) have taken more wickets overall.
⚙️ Cricketory Insight: What Makes Noman Ali So Effective?
At Cricketory, we’ve analyzed Noman Ali’s recent spells closely — and several technical and mental aspects stand out:
🎯 1. Relentless Accuracy
Unlike many spinners who rely on excessive spin, Noman thrives on subtle variations. His line and length remain immaculate, making it hard for batters to drive or sweep with confidence.
🧠 2. Reading the Pitch Early
Noman adapts quickly. In Lahore, he identified the slightly dry patch outside off-stump and used it perfectly, bowling into the rough spots created by the seamers.
⚖️ 3. Control Over Flight
He varies his trajectory brilliantly — looping one ball up to tempt a drive and then skidding the next through flatter and quicker.
💪 4. Mental Fortitude
The maturity he brings is unmatched. Even after being hit for boundaries, he sticks to his plan — a trait often seen in great spinners like Rangana Herath and Nathan Lyon.
🌍 Comparing Noman Ali to the Greats
With 66 home wickets at an average of 22.60, Noman now holds the best home average among Pakistani spinners with 50+ wickets — surpassing Iqbal Qasim (25.15).
🧾 Career Snapshot (Home Tests)
| Player | Wickets | Average | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noman Ali | 66 | 22.60 | 8/71 |
| Iqbal Qasim | 111 | 25.15 | 7/49 |
| Yasir Shah | 116 | 28.92 | 7/76 |
| Abdul Qadir | 122 | 29.00 | 9/56 |
In the grand scheme, this places Noman in Pakistan’s top tier of home spinners, not just statistically but also in terms of match impact.
💬 Player & Team Reactions
Following the record-breaking performance, Noman humbly credited his teammates and coaches for their trust.
“I’ve learned a lot from watching Yasir Shah and listening to advice from Saqlain Mushtaq. Spin bowling is an art — and every over teaches you something new.”
— Noman Ali after the 1st Test victory
Captain Shan Masood also praised him:
“He’s been outstanding. The way he keeps us in the game even when wickets aren’t falling shows his value to this team.”
🔍 Cricketory Analysis: Why Pakistan’s Spin Culture Is Thriving Again
Over the years, Pakistan’s spin culture faced a decline post-Saeed Ajmal era. However, with the emergence of Noman Ali, Abrar Ahmed, and young spinners from the domestic circuit, there’s renewed confidence in spin bowling.
🔄 1. Domestic Conditions Favor Spin Again
Recent pitches in Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore have provided assistance for turn — allowing spinners to attack and develop.
🧩 2. Coaching Emphasis
Pakistan’s coaching staff has placed greater focus on developing spinners who can bowl long spells without losing control — something Noman exemplifies.
🧗 3. Experience and Patience
At 37, Noman’s journey is a testament to patience and persistence. He proves that experience often outweighs youth when it comes to mastering spin craft.
🏟️ South Africa’s Resistance and Lessons Learned
Despite the defeat, South Africa had their positives. Tony de Zorzi’s 104 showed grit, while Muthusamy’s six-wicket haul reaffirmed his value as an all-rounder. But their struggle against quality spin remains evident — especially on subcontinent pitches.
The Proteas’ middle order repeatedly fell to similar dismissals — caught at short leg, beaten by drift, or misreading the arm ball. Their inability to rotate strike against Noman and Salman Ali Agha’s part-time spin allowed Pakistan to build relentless pressure.
💥 Cricketory Verdict: A Turning Point for Pakistan’s Bowling Unit
Noman Ali’s record isn’t just a personal milestone — it’s symbolic of Pakistan’s bowling revival.
With Shaheen Afridi leading the pace attack and spinners like Noman providing control, Pakistan now boasts a balanced, world-class bowling lineup.
This victory against South Africa reaffirms Pakistan’s dominance at home and their ability to adapt, innovate, and rebuild under new leadership.
📅 What’s Next for Pakistan?
The win gives Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the series. The next Test in Karachi will be crucial — a chance to secure a series win and test younger bowlers in supportive conditions.
Noman’s form, coupled with Abrar Ahmed’s mystery spin, could make the Karachi Test another spin-dominated encounter.
🙋♂️ FAQs – Noman Ali’s Record & Pakistan vs South Africa 2025 Test Series
🏏 1. How many six-wicket hauls does Noman Ali have in home Tests?
A: Noman Ali has five six-wicket hauls, the most by any Pakistan spinner at home, breaking Abdul Qadir’s long-standing record of four.
🌍 2. What was Noman Ali’s performance in the Lahore Test?
A: He took 6 wickets for 112 runs, helping Pakistan bowl out South Africa for 269 and secure a 109-run lead.
💪 3. Who held the previous record before Noman Ali?
A: Legendary leg-spinner Abdul Qadir, who played from 1978 to 1987, held the record with four six-wicket hauls in home Tests.
🧠 4. What is Noman Ali’s home bowling average?
A: He averages 22.60 at home — the best among Pakistan spinners with at least 50 wickets.
🔮 5. Can Noman Ali become Pakistan’s most successful spinner ever?
A: If he maintains his current form and fitness, he could surpass even Yasir Shah’s home wicket tally in the coming years.