How Sajid Khan and Noman Ali Became Pakistan’s Spin Heroes
Across two Test matches, spanning eight days and two cities, Pakistan’s spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali bowled relentlessly, delivering a combined 89.5 overs without a change. Their efforts helped Pakistan achieve a much-needed home Test win, the first in four years, and demonstrated the power of spin on familiar turf.
Unchanged Spin Attack: 89.5 Overs Without a Change
Pakistan’s bowling strategy took an unusual turn when Sajid and Noman bowled in tandem for 15 overs in Multan and then continued throughout England’s second innings. By the time the action moved to Pindi, the two spinners were trusted with the new ball—a rare move for Pakistan. Remarkably, they bowled continuously for 89.5 overs, becoming a formidable spin duo.
The decision to keep them on was partly driven by the pitch’s nature. The Rawalpindi surface, prepared with extra attention to spin, took turn from day one, and Sajid and Noman made the most of it. Their success came as no surprise to anyone familiar with their abilities, even if the decision to bowl them for nearly 90 overs straight was a bold one.
Sajid and Noman’s Impact on the Game
The spinners showed their class by exploiting England’s weaknesses against spin. Sajid’s off-spin consistently troubled the English batters, leading to key dismissals of Ollie Pope and Joe Root. He managed to find turn on almost every delivery, and his ability to adjust to the match situation was critical in turning the game Pakistan’s way.
Noman, the left-arm spinner, played a vital role by slowing down the run rate and building pressure. He broke a 56-run opening stand by deceiving Zak Crawley, who lost patience and played a poor shot. Noman’s experience showed as he varied his pace and used the crease to his advantage, keeping England’s batters on their toes.
Pitch Conditions and Criticism
While some critics argued that the pitch played a significant role in the spinners’ success, Sajid dismissed the notion. “This wicket isn’t like Multan,” he said. “You have to work hard to get wickets here. The ball gets softer after 25-30 overs, and there wasn’t as much help from the surface. We had to mix up our pace and use different angles.”
Despite the challenging conditions, Sajid and Noman emerged as Pakistan’s saviors. Their performance not only helped the team take 29 wickets in just three days of bowling but also highlighted the importance of having reliable spin options in subcontinent conditions.
A New Strategy for Pakistan
Shan Masood, standing in as captain, showed confidence in the spin duo, and their success emboldened the team to take this drastic approach. The strategy of sticking with spin for long spells paid off as England’s batters struggled to adapt. Even as the crowd at Pindi cheered for the duo, there was no denying the effectiveness of Pakistan’s two-man spin attack.
When the change finally came, after 42 overs in England’s innings, it felt like a formality. The new bowler, Zahid Mahmood, struggled to make the same impact, highlighting just how special Sajid and Noman’s performances were.
Sajid and Noman: Unsung Heroes of Pakistan Cricket
The success of Sajid and Noman serves as a reminder that Pakistan’s spin resources go beyond the fast-bowling stars. With a combined age of 69 and a wealth of experience, these two spinners have proven their worth. They may not be the flashiest names in the squad, but their hard work and skill on spinning tracks have made them invaluable.
Final Thoughts
Sajid Khan and Noman Ali’s performances from Multan to Pindi showcased their resilience and ability to take on the responsibility of leading the attack. Their 89.5 overs of spin played a key role in Pakistan’s Test success, proving that sometimes, sticking to a strategy pays off in ways no one could have anticipated. The spinners may have taken turns dominating the game, but together, they ensured Pakistan emerged victorious.
