Noman Ali, who has crossed the age of 38, played his last Test on July 24, 2023. Noman Ali was called up to the team after Pakistan’s defeat against England in the first match at home in October. Then he wrote a great comeback story by taking 20 wickets in two matches and winning the series for Pakistan. And the hero of that story won the ICC October Player of the Month award.
In this journey, he left behind New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner and South Africa’s Kagisu Rabada. Who did great with the ball against India and Bangladesh. Not only that, in August 2023, Babar Azam became the last Pakistani cricketer to win the ICC’s man of the match award. Noman won after a long time.
After winning the award, Noman said, ‘I am extremely happy to be the ICC’s Player of the Year. I am very thankful to my teammates who helped me to give a career best performance and win the historic series. It’s always great to be a part of such a memorable victory for the country.’
Noman produced a match-changing performance at home in October. He took 11 wickets with 147 runs in the first match and 9 wickets with 130 runs in the second match. After three years, Pakistan won the Test series at home.
Pakistan gave England a target of 297 runs in the second Test in Multan. But Noman crushed England’s defense and attack with a whirlwind of spin. He took a career-best 8 wickets with 46 runs. England were all out for just 144 runs. And Pakistan returned to parity in the series by winning by 152 runs. Noman took 3 wickets in the first innings.
In the last match of the series in Rawalpindi, Noman showed a great performance with the ball and the bat. He entered the field when Pakistan lost 7 wickets for 177 runs. Then he played an innings of 45 runs and gave Pakistan a lead of 77 runs.
Noman, who took 3 wickets in the first innings of the third Test, took 6 wickets in the second innings and bowled out England for 112 runs. The hosts got a modest target of only 36 runs. Which ended with the loss of 1 wicket and secured the series win.
Rabada took 14 wickets in two Tests against Bangladesh, who was in the race to become the Massera along with Noman. In this journey, he reached the milestone of fastest 300 wickets in Test cricket. On the other hand, in the second Test against India, Santner won the series against New Zealand on Indian soil after 97 years with 13 wickets in two innings. Along with 13 wickets, he was the man of the match by scoring 33 runs. However, he could not play in the next test due to injury.
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Interviewer: Welcome to the Time.news interview segment! Today, we have the privilege of chatting with cricket expert Mr. Arshad Khan. We’re here to discuss the remarkable journey of Pakistan’s Noman Ali, who recently captured hearts with his stunning performances. Arshad, thank you for joining us.
Arshad Khan: Thank you for having me. It’s always a pleasure to discuss exciting developments in cricket, especially with players like Noman.
Interviewer: Noman Ali’s journey to the ICC Player of the Month award is quite inspiring. Can you walk us through how he managed such a turnaround after being called up to the team following the defeat to England?
Arshad Khan: Absolutely! Noman was brought into the team during a time when the Pakistan bowling lineup was under scrutiny. His performance in the subsequent matches was nothing short of phenomenal—taking 20 wickets in just two matches not only turned the series around for Pakistan but also cemented his place as a key player in the squad. His ability to adapt and excel under pressure was crucial.
Interviewer: Speaking of pressure, Noman’s performance at home against England was a standout moment, particularly his 8-wicket haul in that pivotal second Test. What do you think contributed to his success in that match?
Arshad Khan: Noman’s success stemmed from a combination of skill and strategy. He displayed exceptional control and variation in his spin bowling, effectively exploiting the conditions in Multan. His career-best figures of 8 wickets for 46 runs showcased his ability to dismantle the English batting lineup, and it’s remarkable considering how competitive England’s team is, especially in Test cricket.
Interviewer: It’s also noteworthy that Noman achieved these feats at the age of 38. What does his story say about age and performance in professional sports?
Arshad Khan: Noman’s story is a testament that age can be just a number in sports. His experience on the field is invaluable and often leads to improvements in mental resilience and decision-making. Athletes like him remind us that, with a robust fitness regimen and a passion for the game, players can continue to perform at high levels, regardless of age.
Interviewer: And let’s not forget the emotional aspect—Noman expressed immense gratitude towards his teammates after winning the ICC award. How important is team chemistry in achieving individual success like this?
Arshad Khan: Team chemistry is crucial. Cricket is the quintessential team sport, and individual accolades often stem from collective effort. Noman’s recognition goes beyond his personal skill; it reflects the synergy within the team. He clearly feels supported by his teammates, which boosts confidence and performance on the field.
Interviewer: Looking ahead, how do you see Noman Ali’s future in the Pakistan cricket team?
Arshad Khan: Given his recent form and the impact he’s had, I believe Noman has carved a niche for himself. If he maintains his fitness and performance levels, he could be a valuable asset for Pakistan in the upcoming tours, especially in the longer formats of the game.
Interviewer: Final thoughts, Arshad? What does Noman’s story mean for aspiring cricketers in Pakistan and beyond?
Arshad Khan: Noman Ali’s journey is incredibly motivational. It reinforces the idea that hard work and perseverance can lead to success at any stage in life. Aspiring cricketers should take inspiration from his dedication and resilience. It’s a beautiful reminder that cricket—and indeed any sport—values performance and passion over age.
Interviewer: Thank you, Arshad, for sharing your insights on Noman Ali’s inspiring journey. We look forward to seeing how he continues to shine on the cricket field!
Arshad Khan: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing such an inspiring figure in cricket.