Pakistan’s veteran left-arm spinner, Asif Afridi, has made an unforgettable entry into Test cricket, marking his debut by becoming the oldest player ever to claim a five-wicket haul. This remarkable achievement sets a new benchmark in cricket history.
Afridi, at 38 years and 299 days old at the start of the Rawalpindi Test, impressively surpassed a 92-year-old record. The previous record was held by England’s Charles Marriott, who achieved a five-for on his debut in 1933 at the age of 37 years and 332 days.
Image: Pakistan’s Asif Afridi, who took six wickets, displays the ball as he walks off the field at the end of South Africa’s first innings during the third day of the second Test match in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Hailing from Peshawar, Afridi has long been recognized for his exceptional left-arm finger spin. Despite starting his domestic first-class career in 2009, he played only three matches before a six-year hiatus, making a strong comeback to professional cricket in 2015.
Despite Afridi’s impressive figures of 5-61, South Africa’s resilient tailenders, Senuran Muthusamy and Keshav Maharaj, put up a strong fight, helping their team reach 285-8 by lunch on Day 3.
Image: Pakistan’s Asif Afridi prepares to bowl during the third day of the second Test cricket match between Pakistan and South Africa, in Rawalpindi.
South Africa had initially trailed Pakistan’s first innings total of 333 by 98 runs after losing Marco Jansen. However, the aggressive partnership between Muthusamy and Maharaj significantly reduced this deficit to just 48 runs.
Muthusamy remained unbeaten on 48 from 84 balls, surviving a dropped top-edge by Salman Ali Agha. Maharaj, contributing 23 off 32 balls, also benefited from two dropped catches and a missed stumping opportunity.
Image: Asif Afridi bowls during the second day of the second Test match at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Afridi, whose Test debut was a reward for his consistent strong performances in domestic cricket, efficiently dismantled South Africa’s middle order after they resumed their innings at 185-4.
Afridi now stands among an elite group of Pakistani spinners who have achieved a five-wicket haul on their Test debut. This prestigious list includes Mohammad Nazir, Shahid Afridi, Bilal Asif, Noman Ali, and Abrar Ahmed.
His historic five-wicket milestone was sealed when Simon Harmer, on 2, was caught leg before wicket while attempting a sweep shot.
After Pakistan opted for the second new ball, Noman Ali secured his first wicket by dismissing Jansen leg before wicket. Following this, the World Test Championship winners staged a comeback fueled by the aggressive batting of Muthusamy and Maharaj.
Pakistan currently holds the lead in the two-match series, having already won the previous match in Lahore.