RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s star spinner Asif Afridi broke a 92-year-old record by becoming the oldest bowler to take a five-wicket haul on Test debut.
As per details, the 38-year-and-301-day-old cricketer from Peshawar took two wickets on Day 2 of the second Pakistan-South Africa Test in Rawalpindi and picked three more South African batters in the morning session of Day 3 (today).
Asif Afridi broke the 92-year-old record by Charles Marriott (37y 332d), who attained a similar feat way back in 1933.
At 38, 301 days year old, the debut heroics have earned him a place among a revered group of Pakistani bowlers who have made a memorable entry into Test cricket with five-wicket hauls. His performance continues a proud tradition that dates back over six decades.
The trend began in 1964, when Arif Butt became the first Pakistani to achieve the feat, taking six wickets against Australia in Melbourne.
Five years later, in 1969, Mohammad Nazir stunned New Zealand with a seven-wicket haul in Karachi.
The 1990s saw a resurgence of promising talent. In 1996, Shahid Nazir claimed five wickets against Zimbabwe in Sheikhupura, while Mohammad Zahid impressed with a devastating seven-wicket haul against New Zealand in Rawalpindi.
In 1998, Shahid Afridi showcased his all-round prowess by taking five wickets against Australia in Karachi.
The early 2000s continued the tradition. Mohammad Sami took five wickets in Auckland against New Zealand in 2001, and
Shabbir Ahmed followed suit with a five-wicket haul against Bangladesh in Karachi in 2003.
In 2007, Yasir Arafat claimed five wickets against India in Bengaluru.
The year 2010 saw two debut performances of note: Wahab Riaz picked up five wickets against England at The Oval, while
Tanvir Ahmed took six wickets against South Africa in Abu Dhabi.
More recently, Bilal Asif claimed six wickets against Australia in Dubai in 2018, Nauman Ali took five against South Africa in Karachi in 2021, and Abrar Ahmed bagged seven wickets against England in Multan in 2022.
In 2023, Aamir Jamal impressed with a six-wicket haul in his debut Test against Australia in Perth.
Now, in 2025, Asif Afridi has etched his name into the annals of Pakistan cricket history, reinforcing the country’s legacy of producing world-class bowlers capable of making an immediate impact at the highest level.
