Noman Ali Dominates as Pakistan Eyes Victory Over South Africa

Lahore (Pakistan), Oct 15 (AP) – Pakistan's left-arm spinner Noman Ali is spearheading a strong drive against the reigning world test champions, South Africa, in the first test match of the series. On Day 4 this Wednesday morning, Noman bowled continuously, targeting crucial wickets and escalating Pakistan’s chances of clinching victory.

Following a six-wicket triumph in the initial innings, Noman seized 4 for 69 in the second, guiding South Africa to a precarious position at 137-6. They now require another 140 runs to win the match. Among Noman’s prized wickets was Dewald Brevis, who initially posed a threat to Pakistan’s 277-run target with a brisk 54 off just 54 balls.

Renowned off-spinner Sajid Khan ended Ryan Rickelton's stretched tenure on the crease just before the lunch break. Salman Ali Agha executed a precise, low catch in the slips. Rickleton crafted 45 runs off 145 balls during his stay.

Kyle Verreynne, South Africa’s wicketkeeper-batsman, remained not out on 3 runs from 15 deliveries at the interval. He narrowly escaped after a miscued shot, as Imam-ul-Haq missed a catch off a delivery by Noman that caused a leading edge.

Earlier, after surviving an lbw review on his initial ball from Noman, Brevis accelerated after reaching 15 from 23 balls. He unleashed an aggressive assault, striking Noman for a six and two fours in a singles over, eventually reaching his half-century with an edged boundary. Brevis continued his robust play, bringing up another six before being bowled by Noman with a spinning delivery that clipped the stumps.

Shaheen Shah Afridi set the tone by striking early on Day 4 with the third ball of play. Tony de Zorzi, a centurion in the first innings, was dismissed for 16 by a sharp, incoming delivery that struck his back leg.

Tristan Stubbs, who managed only 2 runs, struggled on a worn wicket favoring spinners from the onset. He was eventually put out by Noman with a leading edge that saw Agha claim another catch in the slips.

The partnership between Brevis and Rickelton, which yielded 73 runs from 98 balls, seemed promising. However, with both batsmen falling within half an hour before lunch, Pakistan firmly positioned themselves to seize the match. (AP) DDV

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