Noman Ali (born 7 October 1986) is a Pakistani cricketer.[2] He made his debut for the Pakistan cricket team at the age of 34 in January 2021.
Early life and family
Noman Ali was born in Khipro, a small city in a subdivision of the Sanghar District, Sindh to a Punjabi family having roots in Attock District.[3] His uncle, Rizwan Ahmed, who also played internationally for Pakistan, was crucial in the development of Noman as a cricketer.[3]
He holds a bachelor's in commerce from Latifabad.[3]
In January 2021, he was named in Pakistan's Test squad for their series against South Africa.[14][15] He made his Test debut for Pakistan, against South Africa, on 26 January 2021.[16] This made him the fourth oldest Test debutant for Pakistan.[17] He took his first wicket in international cricket, that of South Africa captain Quinton de Kock on 26 January 2021.[18] In the second innings, he took 5 for 35, to become the 12th bowler for Pakistan to take a five-wicket haul on debut in Test cricket.[19]
In March 2021, he was picked for his first overseas series, against Zimbabwe.[20] In the second Test, Noman scored 97 contributing to a 169-run partnership with Abid Ali.[21]
In October 2024, Noman was named in Pakistan's squad for the second and third test in the series against England.[22][23] In the second test, Noman finished with career-best test match figures of 8 for 46 in the second innings and 11 for 147 in the match.[24] On 25th January 2025, Noman Ali became the first Pakistani spinner to take a men's Test hattrick against the West Indies in the second test on their Tour of Pakistan.[25] However, Pakistan failed to capitalise on his brilliance in the first innings as West Indies Number 9 Gudakesh Motie scored his maiden Test match half-century, along with Kemar Roach and Jomel Warrican as the trio combined to score 109 runs off the last 2 wickets.[26]
