Sajid Khan and Noman Ali have recently emerged as a dominant bowling partners, prompting comparisons to the iconic Wasim-Waqar pair. While such parallels are tempting, they come with caveats.
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Why Sajid Khan and Noman Ali Are Comparable
#SajidKhan and #NomanAli, despite being spinners, share the hallmark of Wasim and Waqar’s partnership—wrecking opposition batting lineups. Operating as a pair, they’ve proven devastating in Test matches, particularly in Pakistan. Their ability to exploit conditions has brought Pakistan back into games, often single-handedly turning the tide. The duo, like their pace predecessors, thrive on pressure situations, hunting in pairs and consistently taking wickets to destabilize opponents.
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Why Sajid Khan and Noman Ali Are Not Comparable
However, the differences are significant. Wasim and Waqar were fast bowlers, capable of terrorizing batsmen across formats and in any condition. Sajid and Noman, being spinners, rely heavily on favorable home conditions, particularly in Asia, while their effectiveness overseas remains untested. The Ws, by contrast, excelled in all environments, with their legendary spells often coming on unhelpful pitches abroad.
Moreover, Sajid and Noman have only recently formed their partnership, delivering in just two series. Comparatively, Wasim and Waqar dominated world cricket for over a decade, consistently proving their mettle against top teams.
While Sajid and Noman have shown immense potential, they still have a long way to go before being considered the heirs to Wasim and Waqar’s legacy. Time will tell if they can truly match the Ws’ greatness.