🧾 Record-breaking moment and quick summary
🎯 The figures and the impact on the match
Afridi finished the innings with impressive figures (6-79 in the match as reported) that swung momentum in Pakistan’s favour during day three. His bowling helped reduce South Africa to 210-7 at a key moment, although a late recovery by the visitors eventually took them to 404 in the first innings. Still, Afridi’s performance stood out as the day’s headline.
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The previous oldest debut five-wicket record belonged to Charles Marriott who took five wickets on debut at age 37 years and 332 days in 1933. Only a tiny handful of players over 35 have achieved a five-for on debut. Afridi’s achievement is unique: he is the first to do it after turning 38, making his Asif Afridi five-wicket debut a singular milestone in Test history.
🔍 How Afridi bowled — style and execution
On a pitch offering subtle turn and variable bounce, Afridi relied on flight, control and guile. He consistently hit the right lengths, forced mistakes from batters and exploited rough patches near the wicket. Observers praised his discipline and game awareness — traits often honed over long domestic careers — which underpinned the effectiveness of his Asif Afridi five-wicket debut.
🧩 Match flow — South Africa’s late fightback
Despite Afridi’s heroics, South Africa’s lower order staged a dramatic recovery. Contributions from Senuran Muthusamy, Keshav Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada pushed the visitors to 404, giving them a 71-run lead at one point. Pakistan resumed on 94-4, with Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan steadying the chase. The match remains finely poised after a day of big swings.
🌍 Reaction, praise and wider significance
Fans and pundits celebrated Afridi’s late-career breakthrough. International outlets and Pakistani media hailed the moment as proof that opportunity and perseverance can combine to produce special outcomes. The feat also spotlights Pakistan’s deep seam of bowling talent and the value of seasoned campaigners in Test cricket. Links to match reports and analysis are available at ESPNcricinfo and Reuters.
🧾 Stats snapshot
• Player: Asif Afridi
• Achievement: Five-wicket haul on Test debut
• Age: 38 years, 299 days
• Match: Pakistan vs South Africa, 2nd Test, Rawalpindi
• Match status (end of day 3): Pakistan 333 & 94/4 vs South Africa 404 (SA lead earlier). For full scorecard see ESPNcricinfo scorecard.
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Detailed match reports and local reaction are carried by Geo, Pakistan Today and Arab News. For live updates and local aggregation check NewsCloud.
✅ Conclusion / Result
Asif Afridi’s five-for on debut is a rare and inspiring achievement. At an age when most players have retired, Afridi has written his name into Test history. His performance changed the match narrative and gave Pakistan a historic moment to celebrate. The game remains balanced, but Afridi’s feat will be remembered as one of the season’s standout stories. The Asif Afridi five-wicket debut proves that persistence can create unforgettable cricketing milestones.
❓ FAQs
- Q: How old was Asif Afridi when he took the five-wicket haul on debut?
A: He was 38 years and 299 days old. - Q: Whose record did Afridi break?
A: He broke Charles Marriott’s 92-year-old mark for the oldest debut five-for. - Q: What were Afridi’s match figures?
A: He finished with a match haul that included a five-for (reported as 6-79 overall in match accounts). - Q: Where can I read the full scorecard?
A: The complete scorecard and match report are on ESPNcricinfo. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11} - Q: Where can I find more local reaction?
A: Local outlets such as Geo and NewsCloud have analysis and fan reaction.
