Pakistan’s left-arm spinner Noman Ali delivered a stellar performance on Tuesday, claiming six wickets to bowl out South Africa for 269 in the first Test at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. His efforts came after a resilient century from South African batter Tony de Zorzi.
Noman concluded the innings with figures of 6 for 112, marking his ninth instance of taking five or more wickets in a Test match. South Africa, who resumed the day at 216 for 6, lost their final four wickets for just 53 runs, collapsing an hour before the lunch interval.
Pakistan now hold a commanding lead of 109 runs, having posted 378 in their first innings.
De Zorzi stood firm against Pakistan’s spin attack on a turning pitch, reaching his second Test century with a six and two singles off Noman. His gritty knock lasted 208 minutes and featured 10 boundaries and two sixes before he was caught at long-on by Shaheen Shah Afridi for 104, attempting another big shot off Noman.
Noman, who bowled a disciplined 35 overs, also dismissed Prenelan Subrayen for four during the morning session.
Off-spinner Sajid Khan made early inroads by removing Senuran Muthusamy, who was caught by Salman Agha for 11. Sajid later wrapped up the innings by bowling Kagiso Rabada for a duck, finishing with figures of 3 for 98 from 33 overs.
