The strategic chess match of Test cricket often hinges on moments of individual brilliance, and in the recent encounter between Pakistan and South Africa, it was the left-arm spin of Noman Ali that proved the decisive queen on the board. Pakistan clinched a commanding 93-run victory in the opening match of the series, a win etched firmly in the annals of Noman`s exceptional ten-wicket haul for the game.
Entering Day 4, the air in the stadium was thick with anticipation, albeit leaning slightly towards South Africa. Requiring a further 226 runs with eight wickets still in hand, the Proteas held a fragile hope. That hope, however, was severely tested almost immediately. The third ball of the day saw centurion Tony de Zorzi trapped leg-before by the pace and accuracy of Shaheen Afridi, a body blow that resonated beyond the dismissal itself. Noman Ali, who had already secured two wickets overnight, then dismissed Tristan Stubbs cheaply, initiating a palpable sense of unease in the South African dressing room.
Yet, amidst the early tremors, a young Dewald Brevis, alongside the resilient Ryan Rickelton, dared to counter-attack. Brevis, in particular, adopted an audacious approach, starting with a streaky boundary before unleashing a 15-run assault against Noman. It was a clear declaration: aggression, he believed, was the only viable defense. He continued to play positive, notching up his fifty with a daring slog-sweep and even a reverse sweep, his confidence visibly soaring as South Africa steadily chipped away at the target, crossing the 100-run mark. Rickelton, meanwhile, provided the stoic anchor, his defiance a crucial counterpoint to Brevis`s fireworks.
But the beauty of Test cricket, and indeed of spin bowling, lies in its capacity for sudden, devastating deception. Noman Ali, having absorbed Brevis’s earlier onslaught, delivered what can only be described as a “magic ball.” It drifted teasingly into the right-hander, inviting a stroke, before sharply spinning away to clip the top of the off-stump. It was a classic piece of spin wizardry, a testament to subtle variations and impeccable control. The dangerous 73-run partnership was shattered, and with it, South Africa`s most potent threat. This dismissal also brought up Noman’s sensational tenth wicket for the match, a truly rare feat for any bowler, let alone a spinner against a team known for handling pace.
With the floodgates now open, Pakistan`s bowlers surged. Sajid Khan, introduced from the other end, quickly capitalized, ending Rickelton’s determined vigil with an edge to slip, and then accounted for Senuran Muthusamy. Shaheen Afridi returned to finish the job with surgical precision, trapping Kyle Verreynne with a delivery that kept unplayably low, before swiftly dispatching the tail-enders, Prenalan Subrayen and Kagiso Rabada. The final wicket fell, confirming Pakistan`s comprehensive 93-run victory.
This match served as a stark reminder of the enduring power of classic Test match cricket. While Brevis and Rickelton showcased flashes of brilliance, it was Noman Ali`s methodical dismantling of the South African lineup that ultimately sealed the deal. His ten-wicket haul was not just a statistical marvel; it was a masterclass in exploiting conditions and applying relentless pressure, setting a formidable tone for the remainder of the series. For South Africa, it`s back to the drawing board, perhaps with a renewed appreciation for the subtle art of spin.
Dominic Ashworth 
Rupert Fairfax