Pakistani left-arm spinner Nauman Ali delivered a remarkable performance in the ongoing first Test of the two-match series against South Africa in Lahore, etching his name into cricketing history.
On the third day of the match at Gaddafi Stadium, the 39-year-old spinner broke a 37-year-old record previously held by legendary Pakistani bowler Iqbal Qasim.
Pakistan had posted 378 runs in their first innings, setting the tone for the match. In response, the visiting South African side was bowled out for 269 runs. Nauman Ali emerged as the star of the innings with an impressive six-wicket haul, further solidifying his reputation as one of Pakistan’s most consistent spinners in recent years. This marked the ninth time in his Test career that he has taken five or more wickets in a single innings.
With this milestone, Nauman Ali became Pakistan’s most successful left-arm spinner in terms of five-wicket hauls in Test innings. Previously, Iqbal Qasim had achieved the feat eight times during his illustrious career, which ended in 1988.
In Pakistan’s second innings, the team was dismissed for 167 runs, setting South Africa a target of 277 runs to win. The match is now poised for an intense finish, with Pakistani fans placing their hopes on Nauman Ali and the rest of the bowling attack to defend the total and secure a memorable victory.
