His devastating spell put Pakistan firmly in control, reducing South Africa to 137 for six before lunch on Day 4. With this performance, Noman joined the legendary Saqlain Mushtaq on the list of Pakistani bowlers with the most ten-wicket hauls in Test cricket.
Noman Ali Records Third Ten-Fer in Test Cricket
Known for his cunning variations and ability to bamboozle batsmen, Noman Ali has been a standout performer in Tests since 2024. He recorded his first ten-wicket haul against England in Multan last year and repeated the feat against the West Indies earlier this year at the same venue.
His third ten-fer came at a crucial juncture, as he dismantled a strong South African batting line-up with precision and skill. Having taken six wickets in the first innings, Noman added four more scalps in the second, completing his ten-wicket match haul. His masterful performance on Lahore’s spin-friendly pitch allowed him to equal Saqlain Mushtaq’s tally of three ten-fers in Test cricket.
Most Ten-Wicket Hauls for Pakistan in Test Cricket
| Bowler | Ten-fers in Tests |
|---|---|
| Imran Khan | 6 |
| Abdul Qadir | 5 |
| Waqar Younis | 5 |
| Wasim Akram | 5 |
| Fazal Mahmood | 4 |
| Saeed Ajmal | 4 |
| Mushtaq Ahmed | 3 |
| Noman Ali | 3 |
| Saqlain Mushtaq | 3 |
While Imran Khan still holds the record for the most ten-fers by a Pakistani bowler, Noman Ali’s feat puts him alongside Mushtaq Ahmed and Saqlain Mushtaq. Remarkably, Saqlain took 49 Tests to achieve three ten-wicket hauls, whereas Noman has done it in just 20 Tests, highlighting his exceptional ability in the longest format. Though his performances abroad have been moderate, Noman’s mastery of home conditions makes him a key weapon for Pakistan on familiar pitches.
