Noman Ali Shines as Spinners Dominate First Test Against South Africa

LAHORE, PAKISTAN – OCTOBER 13: Noman Ali, the left-arm spinner for Pakistan, impressed during the first Test against South Africa at Gaddafi Stadium. Ali took four wickets as South Africa struggled on a turning track.

Former Pakistan captain and current PCB chairman Ramiz Raja commented on Ali’s unusual sunglasses, noting, “He is wearing a fancy pair of glasses. They look like welding glasses,” during live commentary.

As the match progressed, spinners took center stage, with Ali recording figures of 4 for 85, helping Pakistan dismiss South Africa for 216 runs in their first innings. Pakistan managed a total of 378 runs in their first innings, but South Africa’s Senuran Muthusamy rose to the occasion with a career-best 6 for 117.

Ali expressed confidence in his team’s strategy, stating, “We need to get them out as early as possible, and a 120-run lead would help us win this Test. This pitch will further help spinners in the coming days, so it’s good for us.”

As the day wrapped up, South African batsman Dewald Brevis faced early dismissal while Ryan Rickelton built a solid partnership with De Zorzi, reaching 94 runs for the third wicket before being dismissed by part-timer Salman Agha.

De Zorzi ended the day unbeaten on 81 runs, while South Africa trailed by 162 runs. The match is heading towards an intense finish as both teams seek to capitalize on the spin-friendly conditions.