Pakistan’s left-arm spinner Noman Ali tore past Sri Lanka on Thursday, picking up six wickets as the tourists sought an innings victory during the second Test along with a series victory. At Tea on day four, Sri Lanka was in peril, behind visitors by 267 runs in Colombo. Sri Lankan innings and the match was in the hands of Angelo Mathews and Ramesh Mendis. With just two overs used in the morning session and a lead of 410 runs, Pakistan, which defeated the hosts in the previous Test by four wickets, declared the first innings on 576-5.
Together with his partner Agha Salman on 132 not out, concussion replacement Mohammad Rizwan scored 50 off 67 balls and three fours during the second over to add 108 runs to the total. Just after completing his fifty, Pakistan skipper, Babar Azam declared the innings to give his bowlers enough time and liberty to get the 10 opposition wickets.
Before leaving after the final session of day three, opener Abdullah Shafique made a strong impression with his 201. The hosts got off to a great start with a 69-run opening stand before left-arm spinner Noman dismissed Madushka for 33 on the spinner’s first delivery of the day.
Noman Ali – Spinning a web around Sri Lanka
Dimuth Karunaratne, the left-hander, scored boundaries against Naseem Shah as well as Shaheen Shah Afridi, with Madushka following in until his exit. After lunch, Karunaratne scored 41 before being removed, and later on in the session, Noman quickly sent home Kusal Mendis alongside Dinesh Chandimal. Dhananjaya de Silva then made an attempt to resist during his brief stay alongside Mathews.
De Silva was caught off guard by Abrar Ahmed after trying a massive heave over long-on, and he was out for 10. He took one more wicket after some brilliant work behind the stumps from Mohammad Rizwan.
Shafique’s first Test double century helped Pakistan reach their enormous total after bowling Sri Lanka out for 166. In his 14th Test, Shafique, the 23-year-old opener, has notched up three centuries, notably a 124-run fifth-wicket stand with Salman.
Fans react to Noman Ali claiming a seven-fer against Sri Lanka during the second Test:
Sri Lanka 7 down.
Noman Ali has taken all 7 wickets.
It's happening in Colombo..!!! pic.twitter.com/BVRQ5lkq2c
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 27, 2023
Noman > Ashwin not even a debate
— Mohammad Abdullah (@abdullahafzal28) July 27, 2023
This guy were hopeless vs Australia how did he turn out to be like this?
— ????????? (@CongDuNguyen1) July 27, 2023
Nauman Ali is doing the same thing which Herath done to Pakistan in the past. Left arm Spin Magic ????
— Abdullah (@AbdullahSid892) July 27, 2023
What are typical Porkistani doing in the comment section? Comparing any of their players with Indians, all the damn time. ?
— pranav Haval?? (@pranavhaval) July 27, 2023
Excellent spell from Nauman Ali ?
— Sami Khan (@SamiKhan3119) July 27, 2023
Great chance for becoming second ever bowler to take 10 wickets in test
— ??? (@AlliesOfUtopian) July 27, 2023
Thunderbolt from Noman at the moment??
— Arunabh Bhardwaj (@ArunabhBhardwa4) July 27, 2023
Should play EMERGING Asia Cup in future
— Himank (@hitmank45) July 27, 2023
Yeah noman was different today
— Muhammad Shahmir (@MIRxSHAH) July 27, 2023
