Record-Breaking Performance
In a remarkable feat, Pakistan’s left-arm spinner Asif Afridi has etched his name in cricket history by becoming the oldest player to take five wickets on his Test debut. At the age of 38 years and 299 days, Afridi surpassed the 92-year-old record previously held by England's Charles Marriott.
Historic Milestone Surpassed
On Day 3 of the Rawalpindi Test, Afridi achieved this milestone with impressive figures of 5-61. His performance played a crucial role in restricting South Africa’s first innings to a total of 285 runs, trailing Pakistan's first innings score of 333.
| Player | Age at Debut | Wickets |
|---|
| Asif Afridi | 38 years 299 days | 5 |
| Charles Marriott | 37 years 332 days | 5 |
A Rising Star
Hailing from Peshawar, Afridi's journey to this debut has been fascinating. After starting his domestic first-class career in 2009, he took a break and made a comeback in 2015. His persistence finally paid off when he delivered strong performances that earned him a place in the national team.
His stellar debut included wickets that proved pivotal in dismantling South Africa's middle order. Afridi's performance ensured his name will be remembered among the ranks of great spinners.
Match Summary
Despite Afridi's heroics, South Africa's tailenders Senuran Muthusamy and Keshav Maharaj showcased resilience, rising to the challenge and reducing the deficit to 48 runs at lunch on Day 3. Muthusamy's unbeaten score of 48 from 84 balls reflects the competitive nature of this Test match.
Looking Ahead
As Pakistan leads the two-match series, Afridi's success not only highlights his talent but also signals a bright future for Pakistani cricket, integrating experienced players with emerging talents.