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Test cricket continues to deliver enthralling moments as Pakistan and South Africa lock horns in the opening Test at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The match has seen a fascinating battle between bat and ball, with spinners finding ample assistance on a wearing pitch. While Tony de Zorzi showcased great skill and composure to notch up a gritty century for South Africa, it was Noman Ali who stole the limelight with a record-breaking six-wicket haul that left the visitors reeling.
Tony de Zorzi’s fighting ton in vain
South Africa resumed their innings at 216/6 but could add only 53 runs before being bowled out for 269. Noman led the charge with figures of 6 for 112 in 35 overs, while Sajid Khan chipped in with two wickets to wipe out the tail. Pakistan’s disciplined bowling ensured a healthy first-innings lead on a deteriorating pitch that continued to aid spin.
Amidst the collapse, De Zorzi stood tall for the visitors. The left-hander played some elegant drives and sweeps, showcasing excellent temperament to bring up his second Test century. He scored 104 off 171 balls before miscuing a lofted shot straight to long-on off Noman. Apart from De Zorzi, the Proteas got a little support from Ryan Rickelton as the rest of the South African lineup struggled against the Pakistani spinners.
De Zorzi’s valiant effort briefly gave the Proteas hope, but once he fell, Pakistan didn’t take long to wrap up the innings. His innings, however, reaffirmed his growing stature as one of South Africa’s most dependable red-ball batters.
Noman Ali dismantles South Africa while breaking Iqbal Qasim’s long-standing record
Pakistan tightened their grip on the contest after Noman’s magnificent spell dismantled South Africa’s lower order on Day 3. The veteran spinner produced a masterclass in control and guile, guiding his team to a dominant position. Noman’s spell wasn’t just about match impact—it was historic. With his six-wicket haul, the 39-year-old surpassed Iqbal Qasim’s record of eight five-wicket hauls to become the Pakistani left-arm spinner with the most five-wicket innings in Test cricket. This achievement further cements his place among Pakistan’s spin greats.
Displaying his trademark accuracy and flight, Noman kept the South African batters guessing throughout the innings. His ability to extract sharp turn and bounce from the surface made life difficult for even the set batters. Fans and former cricketers took to social media to laud the spinner’s brilliance and his remarkable longevity in the format.
Here’s how fans reacted:
9 TEST FIFERS – MOST BY A PAKISTANI LEFT-ARM SPINNER 🇵🇰
– Noman Ali, the backbone of Pakistan’s bowling at home 🔥
— junaiz (@dhillow_)
9TH FIVE WICKET HAUL FOR NOMAN ALI IN TEST CRICKET. 🔥👏
– What a bowler for Pakistan. 😍
— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_)
That is a brilliant century by Tony de Zorzi. A knock full of patience and class 👏
— Eems (@NaeemahBenjamin)
Bringing back Noman Ali and Sajid Khan was one of the best decisions Pakistan has made in recent times.
— Abdullah (@michaelscottfc)
Noman Ali had the best bowling average in the WTC 2023–25 cycle. 🔥
— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_)
Noman Ali, what a bowler. Another fiver. Fast becoming one of my favourite players.
— Adam Bell 🇳🇿🇮🇹 (@AdamKerrBell)
That is an exceptional century by Tony de Zorzi. Hasn't had a lot of luck at the top of the order, moved to the middle order and ground it out yesterday in tough conditions and has reaped the rewards. So happy for him.
— Dale (@ncakos316)
Since 2023, of all bowlers to take at least 50 Test wickets, nobody has a better bowling average than Noman Ali's 15.21.
Great bowler.
— Dale (@ncakos316)
Where was Noman Ali all these years? Was the selection committee asleep on his talent? He deserved this spot long ago—PCB wasted his prime, and now at 39, his inclusion feels way too late.
— Hamza Mughal ✪ (@Hamzakhan0309)
UPDATE: Pakistan dominates South Africa in Lahore Test! 🔥take 109-run lead & bowl out Proteas for 269. Noman Ali continues his brilliance with 6 wickets💥
— Muhammad Yousaf (ANJUM) (@imyousafanjum)
A century to remember. 💯
An innings to savour from Tony de Zorzi, showing class, composure, and character on a challenging wicket. 🔥
Standing tall with a superb hundred for Men. 🇿🇦
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA)
9th 5 wickets hual in test cricket from Noman Ali. 👏👏👏
— Imran Zafar (@Gondal_hon)
Committing Front foot to Noman Ali and backfoot to Sajit khan😭
This summed up our pathetic batting, except Tony De zorzi brilliance.— Basith 🇿🇦 (@Basithsaucy)
Tony de Zorzi goes to a fantastic century 🔥
It has been a defiant century while others have succumbed to the spin
It is also a reminder of what he is capable of
Well played 👏🏻
— Werner (@Werries_)
Also WATCH: PAK vs SA – Kyle Verreynne’s heated exchange with Pakistan players sparks drama on Day 2 of Lahore Test
