History in Rawalpindi! 38-year-old debutant shocks cricket world; breaks 92-year-old record

Pakistan’s left-arm spinner Asif Afridi has carved a remarkable place in cricket history by becoming the oldest player to take five wickets on his Test debut.

Afridi surpassed the 92-year-old record previously held by England’s Charles Marriott, who claimed a five-for on debut in 1933 at 37 years and 332 days. At the start of the Rawalpindi Test, Afridi was 38 years and 299 days old, breaking Marriott’s longstanding milestone.

Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!


Hailing from Peshawar, Afridi has long been admired for his left-arm finger spin. He began his domestic first-class career in 2009 but played only three matches that season before disappearing from the professional scene for nearly six years. He made a determined comeback in 2015.

Despite his impressive figures of 5-61, South Africa's resilient tailenders Senuran Muthusamy and Keshav Maharaj helped their team reach 285-8 at lunch on Day 3.

South Africa trailed Pakistan's first innings total of 333 by 98 runs after losing Marco Jansen. However, Muthusamy and Maharaj's aggressive partnership reduced the deficit to 48 runs.

Muthusamy remained unbeaten on 48 from 84 balls, surviving when Salman Ali Agha dropped a top-edge while running from the slips. Maharaj, who scored 23 off 32 balls, also benefited from two dropped catches and a missed stumping opportunity.

Afridi, who earned his test debut following strong performances in domestic cricket, dismantled South Africa's middle order after they resumed at 185-4.

The debutant spinner joined an elite group of Pakistani spinners to achieve a five-wicket haul in their first test, alongside Mohammad Nazir, Shahid Afridi, Bilal Asif, Noman Ali and Abrar Ahmed.

His achievement surpassed England's Charles Marriott's record, who took 5-37 against West Indies in 1933 at age 37.

Afridi's day began with Kyle Verreynne's dismissal for 10, caught off an outside edge. He then trapped Tristan Stubbs leg before wicket for 76, adding just eight runs to his overnight score of 68.


His five-wicket milestone came when Simon Harmer, on 2, attempted a sweep shot and was caught leg before wicket.

After Pakistan took the second new ball, Noman Ali claimed his first wicket by dismissing Jansen leg before wicket. The World Test Championship winners then mounted a comeback through Muthusamy and Maharaj's aggressive batting.

Pakistan, having won the previous match in Lahore, currently leads the two-match series.


Catch Lovlina Borgohain's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 5. Watch Here