Spinner Noman Ali turned the match in Pakistan’s favor by taking four vital wickets on day two of the first Test against South Africa at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. “Noman Ali” defines Pakistan’s dominance, as his spin attack left South Africa struggling at 216-6, trailing by 162 runs by the close of play.
Pakistan’s Spinners Shine on a Turning Track
The second day belonged entirely to the spinners. Every wicket that fell came from a slow bowler, highlighting the pitch’s growing assistance to spin. Pakistan’s Noman Ali grabbed 4-85, while South Africa’s left-arm spinner Senuran Muthusamy claimed a career-best 6-117 to bowl out Pakistan for 378 earlier in the day.
Noman’s spell restricted South Africa’s progress despite a strong fightback from opener Tony de Zorzi, who remained unbeaten on 81 runs. With nine boundaries and a six, de Zorzi stood firm while partners kept falling at the other end.
Early South African Promise Fades
South Africa started confidently, reaching 45 without loss. However, Noman struck twice in quick succession to derail the momentum. He first dismissed captain Aiden Markram for 20, then removed Wiaan Mulder for 17 — both caught behind by Mohammad Rizwan.
The dismissals exposed South Africa’s middle order, but Ryan Rickelton counterattacked with determination. He hit two sixes and nine fours in his fluent 71. Alongside de Zorzi, Rickelton built a 94-run stand for the third wicket, giving South Africa hope of recovering their footing in the match.
Salman Agha and Babar Combine for Breakthrough
Pakistan needed a breakthrough, and part-time spinner Salman Agha delivered at the right time. He forced Rickelton into edging a sharp turning delivery, which Babar Azam caught low at slip. The partnership’s end opened the door for Pakistan’s spinners to reassert control.
Returning for another spell, Noman Ali continued to wreak havoc. He dismissed Tristan Stubbs for eight and trapped Kyle Verreynne leg-before for two. Sajid Khan joined the act by sending Dewald Brevis back for a golden duck, leaving South Africa reeling.
At stumps, de Zorzi was batting on 81 with Muthusamy unbeaten on six. The visitors still trail by 162, and Pakistan’s bowlers are poised to press their advantage on day three.
Noman Ali Confident of Extending Lead
After the day’s play, Noman expressed satisfaction with Pakistan’s position. “We need to get them out as early as possible,” he said. “A lead of around 120 runs would give us a strong chance to win this Test. The pitch is helping spinners more with every session, which is good for us.”
His statement reflected Pakistan’s confidence in exploiting the surface. With cracks widening and turn increasing, Noman and Sajid Khan are expected to remain key threats.
Muthusamy’s Magic Limits Pakistan’s Total
Earlier in the day, it was Muthusamy who turned the tide for South Africa by dismantling Pakistan’s lower order. Resuming on 313-5, Pakistan collapsed dramatically, losing their last five wickets for only 16 runs.
Muthusamy surpassed his previous best of 4-45 by taking six wickets, ending with figures of 6-117. His sharp turn and control troubled Pakistan’s tailenders, restricting what could have been a far bigger first-innings total.
“It was great to contribute to the team with wickets,” Muthusamy said later. “Losing a wicket near stumps wasn’t ideal, but we’ll fight back tomorrow.”
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Agha and Rizwan Anchor Pakistan’s Innings
Before the collapse, Pakistan’s middle order had given the team a solid foundation. Salman Agha led the charge with an impressive 93, hitting five fours and three sixes. Mohammad Rizwan provided crucial support with 75, including two boundaries and two sixes.
Their 163-run partnership for the sixth wicket frustrated South Africa’s bowlers for hours. But Muthusamy’s precision eventually broke through. He removed Rizwan with a turning ball edged to wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne. Two deliveries later, Noman was bowled for a duck, followed immediately by Sajid Khan, who edged to slip.
Pakistan’s innings ended at 378 when Muthusamy dismissed Shaheen Shah Afridi for seven, completing his six-wicket haul. Spinner Prenelan Subrayen also chipped in with 2-78, including the key wicket of Salman Agha, caught in the deep trying to accelerate the scoring.
Outlook for Day Three
With Pakistan holding a commanding position, the third day promises more spin drama. The Gaddafi Stadium pitch is breaking down further, and both sides will rely heavily on their spinners. For South Africa, the immediate goal is to reduce the deficit and build a lead to test Pakistan’s batting in the final innings.
Pakistan, however, appear confident. Noman Ali’s controlled spin and the team’s strong fielding have placed them firmly in control. If they bowl South Africa out quickly on day three, they could set themselves up for a comfortable victory in the first Test.
The Spin Battle Ahead
The contest has turned into a duel between two left-arm spinners — Noman Ali and Senuran Muthusamy. Both have shown exceptional skill on a surface made for turn, setting the stage for another gripping day of Test cricket in Lahore.
As the match progresses, Pakistan’s advantage grows clearer. With Noman Ali leading the spin attack, the home side looks ready to seize a 1-0 lead in the series.
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