Rawalpindi witnessed a thrilling Test match between Pakistan and South Africa, with Pakistan initially ending day one in a strong position at 259 for 5. The hosts showed solid batting after winning the toss and choosing to bat first. Saud Shakeel (42*) and Salman Agha (10*) remained unbeaten at stumps, guiding Pakistan through a recovery phase.
Shan Masood, the Pakistan skipper, and opener Abdullah Shafique were key contributors, displaying composed knocks against South Africa’s disciplined bowling attack. Despite a few hiccups, Pakistan maintained control, taking advantage of a good batting surface.
Asif Afridi's Memorable Debut
The match also marked a significant moment for Asif Afridi, who debuted at 38 years and 299 days, making him the third-oldest player to debut for Pakistan in Test cricket. He replaced Hasan Ali in the playing XI and received his debut cap from Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Adding to his impressive debut, Asif Afridi broke a 92-year-old record by becoming the oldest bowler to take a five-wicket haul on Test debut! He achieved this feat on the third day of the match, dismissing three more South African batters in the morning session. At 38 years and 301 days old, Afridi surpassed England's Charles Marriott, who was 37 years and 332 days old when he achieved the same milestone in 1933.
Afridi's Historic Feat
Afridi picked up his fifth wicket on the fifth ball of the 76th over of South Africa's first innings, etching his name in cricketing history. While John Traicos holds the record for the oldest player to take a five-wicket haul on Test debut overall (45 years and 215 days for Zimbabwe), Afridi's achievement as a debutant bowler is truly remarkable.
The overall record for the oldest bowler to take a five-wicket haul in Tests belongs to Bert Ironmonger, who was 49 years and 311 days old when he achieved this feat against South Africa in 1932.
Asif Afridi's performance has undoubtedly added excitement to the Pakistan-South Africa Test series and has provided a memorable moment for cricket fans worldwide.