Asif Afridi Makes History as Oldest Player to Take 5 Wickets on Debut

In an extraordinary turn of events, Pakistan’s left-arm spinner Asif Afridi has rewritten cricket history by becoming the oldest player to take five wickets on his Test debut. This remarkable achievement took place during the Rawalpindi Test, where Afridi surpassed a long-standing record held by England’s Charles Marriott.

A New Record Set at 38

Afridi, who was 38 years and 299 days old at the start of the match, broke Marriott’s record set in 1933 when he was 37 years and 332 days old. The match showcased Afridi’s talent as he recorded impressive bowling figures of 5 wickets for 61 runs.

With this performance, Afridi joins an elite group of Pakistani spinners who have achieved a five-wicket haul on Test debut, alongside renowned players like Shahid Afridi and Bilal Asif.

Match Situation and Contributions

During the match, South Africa faced a challenging situation, trailing Pakistan’s first innings total of 333 runs. Afridi’s scalps included key dismissals like Kyle Verreynne, who he caught out, and Tristan Stubbs, whom he trapped leg before wicket.

As the match progressed, the resilience of South Africa’s tailenders, led by Senuran Muthusamy and Keshav Maharaj, helped South Africa recover to 285-8 by lunch on Day 3.

A Promising Career Ahead

Afridi’s trajectory in cricket has been remarkable. He began his first-class career in 2009 but faced significant challenges, including a hiatus from professional cricket. His incredible comeback in 2015 has now culminated in a record-setting debut performance.

Fans are eagerly watching as Afridi’s career unfolds, with many expecting he will bring a new edge to the Pakistani bowling attack as they lead the two-match series against South Africa.

With each delivery, Afridi proves that age is just a number in cricket, inspiring players worldwide to chase their dreams regardless of the obstacles.