Asif Afridi Makes Historic Debut with Five-Wicket Haul
Pakistan left arm spinner Asif Afridi created history with a remarkable debut performance against South Africa in the ongoing second Test match.
Making his Test debut at thirty eight, Afridi delivered an outstanding spell that dismantled South Africa middle order on the third day of the match.
His brilliant five wicket haul made him the oldest player ever to achieve the milestone on debut, breaking a 92 year old record.
Afridi dismissed Tristan Stubbs, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Kyle Verreynne, and Simon Harmer, using sharp spin and accuracy to trouble the opposition batsmen.
His exceptional bowling not only halted South Africa progress but also provided Pakistan with an important advantage at a crucial stage of the game.
The previous record was held by England bowler Charles Marriott, who took five wickets on debut in 1933 at 37 years and 332 days.
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Afridi went past that record by almost a year, completing his five wicket haul at the age of thirty eight years and 301 days.
Through this achievement, Afridi entered an elite list of debutants over thirty five to claim five wicket hauls in Test cricket history.
That list includes Hines Johnson from the West Indies and England bowler D W Carr, both of whom achieved the feat many decades earlier.
Afridi now stands alone as the only cricketer to record a five wicket haul on debut after crossing the age of thirty eight years.
Within Pakistan cricket, such achievements are extremely rare, with only Noman Ali and Bilal Asif producing similar debut performances in recent history.
Afridi historic spell has set a new standard for experienced players, proving that age cannot restrict excellence or determination in international cricket.
