Islamabad, Jan 29: Pakistan’s left-arm spinner Noman Ali has made a remarkable leap in the ICC Test Bowler Rankings, reaching a career-best No. 5 following his stellar performance against the West Indies in Multan. His rise comes on the back of a match-winning display, where he became the first Pakistani spinner to claim a Test hat-trick, solidifying his reputation as a key figure in Pakistan’s spin-heavy attack.
Noman’s dominant spell in Multan helped him achieve a career-high rating of 806, securing his first-ever spot in the top five of the ICC Test Bowling Rankings. The turning conditions perfectly suited his style, allowing him to outfox the West Indies batters and play a decisive role in Pakistan’s victory. With Pakistan increasingly relying on spin-friendly pitches, Noman has emerged as a consistent and reliable match-winner, forming a formidable partnership with Sajid Khan.
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His ranking now places him among the elite bowlers in world cricket, with only India’s Jasprit Bumrah, Australia’s Pat Cummins, South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada, and Josh Hazlewood ahead of him. Meanwhile, Sajid Khan also made significant strides, sitting at No. 21 after contributing crucial performances in the series.
Noman’s rapid ascent marks an important moment for Pakistan, which has been searching for a dominant spinner since the peak years of Saeed Ajmal and Yasir Shah. His ability to thrive under pressure and deliver in crucial matches has made him an invaluable asset. If he maintains this form, he could challenge for a spot in the top three and further establish himself as one of the best contemporary spinners in Test cricket.
