Pakistan’s left-arm spinner Nauman Ali has etched his name into cricket history by breaking a 37-year-old record previously held by legendary spinner Abdul Qadir, following a match-winning performance against South Africa in the first Test at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
Nauman claimed 10 wickets in the match, six in the first innings and four in the second, helping Pakistan secure victory and a 1–0 lead in the series. His exceptional performance also made him the most successful Pakistani bowler over a five-Test stretch, surpassing Abdul Qadir’s long-standing milestone from 1987–88.
According to official match data, Nauman took 46 wickets between his 16th and 20th Test matches, eclipsing Qadir’s record of 44 wickets taken during his 48th to 52nd Tests nearly four decades ago.
Cricket statisticians highlight that Nauman’s consistency over the past year has made him the most successful spinner in the world during the last 12 months ahead of leading names from India, Australia, and Sri Lanka.
In addition to the recent South Africa series, Nauman’s dominance has been evident across multiple contests: earlier this year, he claimed 6 and 10 wickets in two Tests against West Indies, followed by 11 wickets in Multan and 9 in Rawalpindi during the home series against England.
At 39, Nauman continues to defy age and expectations. His six-wicket haul in South Africa’s first innings in Lahore marked the ninth time he has taken five or more wickets in a Test innings, making him Pakistan’s most prolific left-arm spinner to achieve this feat.
Cricket observers have lauded Nauman’s tactical maturity, accuracy, and subtle variations, which have allowed him to thrive on subcontinental pitches traditionally favoring spin.
Nauman’s remarkable form not only strengthens Pakistan’s bowling arsenal but also places him among the country’s elite spinners, alongside greats like Abdul Qadir, Saeed Ajmal, and Danish Kaneria.
His record-breaking achievement has been widely celebrated by fans and former cricketers, who hailed it as a “special moment in Pakistan’s modern Test history.”
