Pakistan’s left-arm spinner Noman Ali is making headlines after a stellar performance in Lahore pushed him closer to the No.1 spot in the ICC Men’s Test Bowler Rankings. Following a remarkable 10-wicket haul in Pakistan’s Test victory over South Africa, Noman has achieved a career-best second place, putting pressure on India’s pace ace Jasprit Bumrah.
Historic Test Win Sparks Ranking Surge
Pakistan’s 93-run victory over South Africa in Lahore not only marked a strong start to their World Test Championship (WTC) 2027 cycle but also reshaped the ICC rankings. Noman’s match-winning spell earned him global recognition as he climbed four spots to become the world’s second-ranked Test bowler with 853 rating points—just 29 behind Bumrah.
The first Test of the Pakistan vs South Africa series showcased dominant spin bowling from both sides, but it was Noman’s control, accuracy, and consistency that stood out. His double five-wicket hauls turned the tide for Pakistan, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most dependable spinners in red-ball cricket.
Shaheen Afridi and Other Pakistani Players Shine
Noman’s teammate, left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi, also made notable progress. After claiming four wickets in the second innings, Shaheen rose three places to 19th in the Test bowler rankings. His ability to swing the ball late and maintain pressure on the Proteas’ middle order played a key role in securing Pakistan’s win.
Pakistan’s batting lineup also reaped rewards in the updated rankings. Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan moved up four spots to 16th, showing his growing consistency in Test cricket. Captain Babar Azam climbed two positions to 22nd after steady contributions with the bat, while Salman Agha leapt eight places to 30th, underlining his value as a dependable middle-order performer.
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Proteas Players Earn Recognition
While Pakistan dominated the rankings update, South African batters also made strides despite the defeat. Ryan Rickelton’s composed 71 in the first innings helped him break into the top 50 for the first time. Tony de Zorzi, who scored a fighting century, jumped to 54th place, cementing his place as a promising top-order player for the Proteas.
Though the loss was disappointing, South Africa’s emerging talent showed resilience against Pakistan’s formidable spin attack. Their performances provided the team with positives to build upon ahead of the next Test.
Big Shifts in ODI Rankings
The ICC also released updates to the ODI rankings following recent fixtures between top sides. Australian players benefited the most after their victory over India in the ODI series opener in Perth.
Stand-in skipper Mitchell Marsh, who led from the front with a match-winning performance, jumped two places to reach 42nd among ODI batters. Meanwhile, Josh Hazlewood surged six spots to enter the top 10 at No.10 among bowlers, thanks to his consistent new-ball spells. Fellow pacer Mitchell Starc also improved, rising four places to 21st following his sharp bowling display.
India’s Mohammed Siraj re-entered the ODI rankings at 17th after returning to the format for the first time in over a year. Bangladesh spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz climbed six positions to 18th following strong performances against the West Indies.
England’s T20I Stars on the Rise
England’s white-ball players also made impressive gains after their T20I series win against New Zealand in Christchurch. Power-hitter Harry Brook leapt 18 spots to 20th in the T20I batter rankings after a series of quick-fire innings that showcased his fearless approach.
Leg-spinner Adil Rashid, one of England’s most reliable bowlers in limited-overs cricket, moved up three positions to third among T20I bowlers. His economical spells and crucial breakthroughs during the New Zealand tour highlighted his continued dominance in the shortest format.
Global Competition Heats Up
These latest updates reflect the intense competition across all formats of international cricket. With players from Pakistan, India, England, Australia, Bangladesh, and South Africa all improving their standings, the battle for top spots continues to intensify ahead of major upcoming tournaments.
Noman Ali’s rise, however, remains the most striking development of the week. His rapid ascent toward the No.1 position underscores Pakistan’s growing strength in Test cricket, particularly in spin-friendly conditions. The left-armer’s success adds depth to Pakistan’s bowling attack, complementing the pace power of Shaheen Afridi and the all-round contributions of Babar Azam’s leadership.
A Milestone for Pakistan Cricket
Pakistan’s strong performance against defending champions South Africa marks a significant milestone for their WTC 2027 campaign. The team’s blend of youth and experience, combined with standout individual displays, has reignited hopes of a deep run in the championship.
For Noman, the path to the top is within reach. With form and confidence on his side, the veteran spinner now stands as a major contender to dethrone Jasprit Bumrah as the world’s best Test bowler. His success story serves as inspiration not only for Pakistan’s cricketing fraternity but for aspiring spinners worldwide who dream of mastering the art of spin at the highest level.
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