Noman Ali picked up an eight-wicket haul to hand Pakistan a much-desired win in the second Test against England in Multan. Here’s where his performance ranks among the best bowling figures in Pakistan.
Pakistan ended their prolonged winless streak at home after beating England by 152 runs in the second Test in Multan to level the series 1-1, with a decider still to be played. The win was Pakistan’s first in their backyard since February 2021.
Chasing 297 in the fourth innings, England were bundled out for 144 as the spinners dominated the proceedings on a tired Multan pitch, which also hosted the first Test. England tried to counter the spin with aggression, but the target was too steep an ask as comeback man Noman Ali ran through them, taking 8-46.
The memorable win was set up by a sensational hundred (118) from Kamran Ghulam on day one, taking the hosts to reach 366. Sajid Khan, another player making his comeback triggered a collapse as England were slipped from 211-2 to 291 all-out. Sajid’s 7-111 gave Pakistan a decisive 75-run first innings lead.
England managed to cling onto fourth place in the WTC points table despite a big loss in Multan.
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) October 18, 2024
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Best bowling figures in an innings in a Test match in Pakistan
Noman's match-winning 8-46 earned him the second spot on the list, which is headed by Abdul Qadir. The leg-spinner took 9-56 against England in 1987.
Apart from Noman, four players have taken an eight-wicket haul, but Noman has conceded the least runs among them, guaranteeing him the second spot. Former Pakistan captain Imran Khan (8-58), Sri Lanka's Ravi Ratnayeke (8-83), India's Kapil Dev (8-85) and Saqlain Mushtaq (8-164) are placed third, fourth, fifth and sixth, respectively.
Name | Figures | Team | Opposition | Year |
Abdul Qadir | 9-56 | Pakistan | England | 1987 |
Noman Ali | 8-46 | Pakistan | England | 2024 |
Imran Khan | 8-58 | Pakistan | Sri Lanka | 1982 |
Imran Khan | 8-60 | Pakistan | India | 1982 |
Ravi Ratnayeke | 8-83 | Sri Lanka | Pakistan | 1985 |
Kapil Dev | 8-85 | India | Pakistan | 1983 |
Saqlain Mushtaq | 8-164 | Pakistan | England | 2000 |
Iqbal Qasim | 7-49 | Pakistan | Australia | 1980 |
Chris Pringle | 7-52 | New Zealand | Pakistan | 1990 |
Phil Edmonds | 7-66 | England | Pakistan | 1978 |
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