Web desk: Pakistan’s left-arm spinner Asif Afridi made history on Wednesday by becoming the oldest cricketer to take a five-wicket haul on Test debut.
He achieved the feat during day three of the second Test against South Africa at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Asif Afridi Breaks 92-Year-Old Record
Afridi, who is 38 years and 301 days old, has surpassed England’s Charles Marriott, who held the record since 1933 at 37 years and 332 days.
Afridi dismissed Tristan Stubbs, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Kyle Verreynne, and Simon Harmer, giving Pakistan a strong position in the match.
Only four players above 35 years of age have ever taken a five-wicket haul on Test debut.
Besides Afridi and Marriott, the list includes Hines Johnson of the West Indies (1948) and DW Carr of England (1909).
Afridi is the only player to achieve this after turning 38.
Among Pakistani bowlers, Noman Ali took five wickets on debut at 34 against South Africa in 2021, while Bilal Asif achieved the milestone at 33.
This performance is a memorable beginning to his Test career. He has become part of the Elite Club with a 5-wicket haul in his Test debut.
Earlier, South Africa’s lower order fought back, with key contributions from Senuran Muthusamy, Keshav Maharaj, and Kagiso Rabada.
The debut of Afridi in the Test matches is a historic beginning to his Test career and a new chapter in the history of Pakistan cricket.
Noman Ali Climbs to Second in ICC Test Bowling Rankings
Pakistan spinner Noman Ali has also surged to second place in the ICC Test bowling rankings following his impressive performance in the opening Test against South Africa.
Noman gained four spots to reach a career-high 853 rating points, overtaking South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada, who went to fifth.
India’s Jasprit Bumrah remains at the top. New Zealand’s Jacob Duffy holds third place.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi also moved up in the rankings, climbing three positions to reach 19th place with 661 points.
