Noman Spins Web as Pakistan Tighten Grip

News Desk 

Lahore: Pakistan’s spinners continued their dominance on day two of the opening Test against South Africa at the Gaddafi Stadium, leaving the visitors trailing by 162 runs at stumps.

South Africa ended the day on 216 for 6, with Tony de Zorzi (81)* and Senuran Muthusamy (8)* at the crease, replying to Pakistan’s first-innings total of 378.

After Pakistan’s lower order folded swiftly in the morning session — losing five wickets for just 16 runs — the hosts’ spin trio of Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, and Salman Ali Agha brought them right back into control.

Earlier in the day, Senuran Muthusamy led South Africa’s charge with the ball, claiming a career-best 6 for 117. His devastating spell dismantled Pakistan’s tail after Agha Salman (93) and Imam-ul-Haq (93) had laid a strong foundation, supported by Shan Masood’s 76.

When South Africa began their reply, openers Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton looked solid against the new ball, adding 46 runs before Noman Ali found his rhythm. Markram (22) fell to a sharp turner, while Mulder’s loose stroke cost him his wicket soon after.

Rickelton and de Zorzi steadied the innings with a near-century stand. Rickelton (71) played fluently, striking boundaries with confidence and bringing up his half-century with authority. However, just as South Africa began to threaten parity, Salman Agha broke through — Rickelton’s edge flying low to Babar Azam at slip for a brilliant one-handed catch.

That wicket opened the floodgates. Noman Ali (4-85) ran through the middle order, dismissing Tristan Stubbs and Dewald Brevis in quick succession before trapping Kyle Verreynne lbw. South Africa collapsed from 190 for 2 to 216 for 6 in a span of overs that mirrored England’s infamous collapse in Multan last year.

Through the chaos, de Zorzi stood tall. Surviving an early barrage from Hasan Ali, he transformed his innings from edgy to assured, dispatching loose deliveries with precision. His unbeaten 81 off 164 balls — laced with nine boundaries — offered South Africa a glimmer of hope heading into day three.

For Pakistan, the day reaffirmed their command on a pitch showing increasing signs of turn and uneven bounce. With Noman Ali’s spin mastery and Agha Salman’s all-round brilliance, the hosts will aim to wrap up the Proteas’ innings swiftly on the third morning and extend their first-innings lead into a match-winning advantage.

Score Summary:

Pakistan 1st Innings: 378 (Agha Salman 93, Imam-ul-Haq 93, Shan Masood 76, Muthusamy 6-117)

South Africa 1st Innings: 216/6 (de Zorzi 81*, Rickelton 71, Noman Ali 4-85)

South Africa trail by 162 runs