Fans react as Noman Ali’s 6-fer rocks South Africa despite Tony de Zorzi’s ton of fighting in Lahore Test – PAK vs SA
Test cricket continues to provide exciting moments as Pakistan And South Africa lock horns during the opening Test at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The match witnessed a fascinating battle between bat and ball, with the spinners finding ample help on a worn pitch. While Tony de Zorzi showed great skill and composure to score a difficult century for South Africa, it was Noman Ali who stole the show with a record six-wicket haul that left the visitors reeling.
Tony de Zorzi’s fights in vain
South Africa resumed their innings at 216/6 but could only add 53 runs before being bowled out for 269. Noman led the charge with figures of 6 for 112 in 35 overs, while Sajid Khan chipped with two wickets to clear the tail. Pakistan’s disciplined bowling ensured a good first innings lead on a deteriorating pitch which continued to favor spin.
Amid the collapse, De Zorzi defended the visitors. The left-hander played elegant drives and sweeps, displaying excellent temperament to conjure up his second Test century. He scored 104 off 171 balls before missing a lobbed shot straight to Noman. Besides De Zorzi, the Proteas enjoyed a little support from Ryan Rickelton while the rest of the South African line-up struggled against the Pakistani spinners.
De Zorzi’s valiant effort briefly gave the Proteas hope, but once they fell, it didn’t take long for Pakistan to close out the innings. His innings, however, reaffirmed his growing stature as one of South Africa’s most reliable red-ball hitters.
Noman Ali dismantles South Africa while breaking Iqbal Qasim’s long-standing record
Pakistan tightened their grip on the contest after Noman’s magnificent spell dismantled South Africa’s lower order on day three. The veteran spinner produced a masterclass of control and guile, guiding his team to a dominant position. Noman’s fate wasn’t just about impact on the game: it was historic. With his six-wicket haul, the 39-year-old surpassed IQBAL QASIMThe record eight five-wicket hauls to become the Pakistani left-arm spinner with the most five-wicket innings in Test cricket. This achievement further strengthens his place among the greats of the Pakistan spin-off.
Showcasing his precision and flight, Noman kept the South African batters guessing throughout the innings. His ability to extract tight turns and rebound from the box made life difficult even for stopped hitters. Fans and former cricketers have taken to social media to hail the spinner’s genius and his remarkable longevity in the format.
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Here’s how fans reacted:
9 FIFERS TEST – MOSTLY BY A PAKISTANI LEFT ARM SPINNER 🇵🇰
– Noman Ali, the backbone of Pakistani bowling at home 🔥 pic.twitter.com/GmHIUEX8Wj
– Junaiiz (@DHILLOW_) October 14, 2025
9TH FIVE WICKET TRAISION FOR NOMAN ALI IN TEST CRICKET. 🔥👏
– What a bowler for Pakistan. 😍 pic.twitter.com/irrAL7VUTd
-Sheri. (@Callmesheri1_) October 14, 2025
It’s a brilliant century for Tony de Zorzi. A shot full of patience and class 👏 #Pakvsa pic.twitter.com/cR3WaNwGvR
-Eems (@naeemahbenjamin) October 14, 2025
Bringing back Noman Ali and Sajid Khan was one of the best decisions made by Pakistan in recent times.
– Abdallah (@michaelscottfc) October 14, 2025
Noman Ali had the best bowling average in the 2023-25 WTC cycle. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/OVPt8zsR3f
-Sheri. (@Callmesheri1_) October 13, 2025
Noman Ali, what a bowler. Five more dollars. Quickly becoming one of my favorite players.
–Adam Bell 🇳🇿🇮🇹 (@AdamKerrBell) October 14, 2025
It’s an exceptional century according to Tony de Zorzi. Didn’t have much luck at the top of the order, moved to the middle of the order and crashed yesterday in tough conditions and reaped the rewards. So happy for him.
– Dale (@ncakos316) October 14, 2025
As of 2023, among all bowlers who have taken at least 50 Test wickets, no one has a better bowling average than Noman Ali’s of 15.21.
Great pitcher.
– Dale (@ncakos316) October 14, 2025
Where was Noman Ali all these years? Did the selection committee sleep on his talent? He deserved this spot a long time ago – PCB wasted his prime, and now at 39, his inclusion seems way too late.#Pakvsa
– Hamza Mughal ✪ (@Hamzakhan0309) October 14, 2025
UPDATE: Pakistan dominate South Africa in Lahore Test! 🔥take a lead of 109 runs and bowl out Proteas for 269. Noman Ali continues to shine with 6 wickets💥 #Pakv in #LahoreTest #Nomanali pic.twitter.com/rixa7FxoT4
– Muhammad Yousaf (ANJUM) (@imyousafanjum) October 14, 2025
An unforgettable century. 💯
An innings to savor from Tony de Zorzi, showing class, composure and character on a difficult wicket. 🔥
Standing with a superb hundred for #TheProteas Men. 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/pqqFB8s9xE
– Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) October 14, 2025
9th Hual 5 wickets in Test cricket from Noman Ali. 👏👏👏#Pakvsa #GreenPeYaqeen #INDvsWI pic.twitter.com/qy0WxLC0rr
– Imran Zafar (@Gondal_hon) October 14, 2025
Commit in front of Noman Ali and behind Sajit Khan😭
That summed up our pathetic batting, except for the genius of Tony De Zorzi.#SAvPAK–Basith 🇿🇦 (@Basithsaucy) October 14, 2025
Tony de Zorzi sets off towards a fantastic century 🔥
It was a century of defiance while others succumbed to the spiral
It’s also a reminder of what he’s capable of
Well done 👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/LTfFbPG8WO
– Werner (@Werries_) October 14, 2025
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