RAWALPINDI, Pakistan: Pakistan has given 38-year-old Asif Afridi his Test debut for the second match against South Africa in Rawalpindi, making him one of the oldest debutants in recent men’s Test history.
Afridi, a stalwart in Pakistan’s domestic circuit, has had a circuitous journey to international cricket. Making his first-class debut in 2009, Afridi has taken 198 wickets in 57 matches, including 13 five-wicket hauls.
After years of sporadic appearances, he has become a key performer in recent years, particularly in 2023 when he claimed 80 wickets in just three years. His call-up to the national team is a testament to his consistency, having also impressed in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025.
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The moment was especially poignant as Asif received his debut cap from none other than star pacer Shaheen Afridi, who spoke warmly about the spinner’s perseverance through his long domestic career.
“When Asif was in his prime, I would watch his matches with my brother, and it was a lot of fun. His dedication and hard work paid off. You truly deserve this cap, Asif,” Shaheen said during the emotional presentation.
Afridi’s debut makes him the oldest Pakistani cricketer to play in a Test match since Miran Bakhsh, who debuted at the age of 47 in 1955.
With Noman Ali and Sajid Khan also in the XI, Afridi will serve as the third spinner in Pakistan’s bowling attack.
South Africa, meanwhile, has opted for a tactical shift, bringing in experienced spinner Keshav Maharaj and all-rounder Marco Jansen, in place of Prenelan Subrayen and Wiaan Mulder.
The move signals their intent to adapt to the conditions at Rawalpindi, where spin is expected to play a more pivotal role than in the first Test in Lahore.
Pakistan will be looking to build on their 93-run victory in the opening Test, where their spinners, led by Noman Ali’s match-winning performance, played a crucial role in dismissing South Africa for just 183 in their chase of 277.
The Test series is followed by three T20Is and three ODIs, keeping both sides engaged in a packed international schedule.
