When Noman Ali, off‑spin bowler for Pakistan Cricket Board cracked the top‑six of the ICC Men's Test Bowling Rankings on 12 October 2025, the cricket world took notice. The rise comes just weeks after the ICC, based in Dubai, published its latest rating list, and it signals a possible resurgence for Pakistan spinners on the longest format.
Why the Rankings Matter
The ICC’s ranking system translates every Test spell into points, rewarding consistency, strike‑rate and match impact. A climb into the upper‑echelons isn’t just a vanity metric; it often translates into higher pay, more media attention, and, crucially, a stronger voice in selection committees. For a nation that has traditionally relied on pace, a spinner reaching rank 6 is a game‑changer.
Current Landscape of Test Bowling
Here’s the latest top‑five, straight from the ICC release:
- Jasprit Bumrah (India) – 885 points
- Kagiso Rabada (South Africa) – 851 points
- Matt Henry (New Zealand) – 846 points
- Pat Cummins (Australia) – 838 points
- Josh Hazlewood (Australia) – 815 points
Trailing these giants is Noman Ali with 806 points, perched just nine points shy of Hazlewood. The gap is narrow enough that a couple of five‑wicket hauls could see the Pakistani bowler break into the top‑five soon.
What Prompted Noman Ali’s Surge?
Ali’s ascent is rooted in a string of disciplined performances over the past twelve months. In the 2024‑25 series against West Indies, he bowled 36 overs in the second Test, claiming 5/67 on a turning track in Bridgetown. The following home series against Bangladesh saw him pick up 4/45 at Gaddafi Stadium, where he bowled 22 consecutive economical overs – a statistical highlight that the ICC’s algorithm rewards heavily.
Cricket analyst Rahul Sharma noted, “Ali’s ability to keep the foot‑marks tight while extracting turn is what the rankings engine loves. He’s not just a wicket‑taker; he’s a pressure‑builder.”
Other Pakistani Spin Prospects
While Ali leads the charge, the PCB’s spin department boasts depth. Leg‑spinner Shahnawaz Dahani has been hovering around rank 20, and off‑spinner Usman Qadir posted a career‑best 4/62 against Sri Lanka earlier this year. The collective rise suggests a strategic shift: instead of stacking the pace attack, selectors may now lean on a balanced combination of seam and spin.
Reactions from the PCB and Players
PCB chairman Ramiz Raja praised the achievement, saying, “Noman’s ranking is a testament to the hard work of our spin coaches and the patience of our fans. It gives us confidence ahead of the upcoming England series.”
Veteran fast‑bowler Mohammad Abbas added, “We all benefit when a spinner can hold one end steady. It lets the pacers attack more freely.”
Global Implications
The shift isn’t isolated. Historically, teams with a strong spin option have fared better in sub‑continental conditions, but the modern game demands versatility. As the ICC’s ranking algorithm evolves to weight performance against top‑ranked opponents more heavily, a spinner like Ali who’s proven himself against both low‑ and high‑ranked batsmen stands to climb even higher.
For India, Bumrah’s dominance remains unchallenged, yet the presence of an emerging Pakistani spinner adds a new tactical layer to any potential bilateral series. South Africa’s Rabada, known for his pace aggression, could find himself paired against a spin threat that forces him to alter his usual attacking rhythm.
What’s Next for Pakistan?
The immediate calendar features a three‑Test tour of England starting in December 2025. The English pitches at Lord’s and The Oval traditionally favour seam, but recent summers have produced slower, more spin‑friendly surfaces. If Ali maintains his current form, the PCB is likely to slot him into the playing XI for the second and third Tests, giving the team a two‑pronged attack.
Looking ahead, the ICC’s next ranking update is slated for 15 January 2026. Analysts predict that if Ali adds another five‑wicket haul before then, he could breach the top‑five, potentially shaking up the global hierarchy for the first time since 2019.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Noman Ali's rise affect Pakistan's Test prospects?
Ali’s top‑six ranking gives Pakistan a credible spin option alongside its pace attack, allowing for more balanced line‑ups, especially on turning tracks. It also boosts morale and forces opponents to plan for two distinct threats.
Which performances pushed Ali into the top‑six?
Key spells include 5/67 against West Indies in Bridgetown (June 2024) and 4/45 versus Bangladesh at Gaddafi Stadium (March 2025). Both innings featured long, economical spells that the ICC rating system heavily rewards.
Who currently leads the ICC Test bowling rankings?
India’s Jasprit Bumrah tops the list with 885 rating points, followed by South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada (851) and New Zealand’s Matt Henry (846).
Will this shift influence selection for the upcoming England series?
Most pundits expect Ali to start the second Test in England, giving the side a spin option on potentially slower pitches. His inclusion could also see a reshuffle of the fourth‑day strategy, balancing aggression with control.
What do experts say about Pakistan’s spin options now?
Analysts like Rahul Sharma argue that Pakistan’s spin pool has matured, citing the rise of Ali, Dahani and Qadir. He notes that the combination of off‑spin precision and leg‑spin variation gives the team flexibility across different conditions.
Comments
Noman Ali’s top‑six spot is overrated; the rankings are a sham that rewards low‑impact overs.