RAWALPINDI: Veteran left-arm spinner Asif Afridi made a dream Test debut for Pakistan, taking five wickets to put the hosts in a commanding position against South Africa, who reached 285-8 at lunch on the third day of the second Test on Wednesday.
At 38 years and 299 days, Asif became the second-oldest Pakistani to make his Test debut, and he marked the occasion in sensational fashion with figures of 5-61. His performance helped Pakistan tighten their grip on the match as the visitors continue to trail by 48 runs, with just two wickets remaining in their first innings.
By lunch, South African lower-order batters Senuran Muthusamy (48 not out) and Keshav Maharaj (23 not out) had added a defiant 50-run partnership for the ninth wicket, offering some resistance on a sharply turning Rawalpindi surface.
Asif Afridi Makes History
Asif’s control, flight, and variation troubled South Africa’s middle order throughout the morning session. His five-wicket haul made him the 15th Pakistani bowler to take five wickets on Test debut, a remarkable milestone in Pakistan’s rich spin-bowling history.
Interestingly, Asif mirrored the success of his opposite number, Keshav Maharaj, who claimed seven wickets earlier in Pakistan’s first innings. Both left-arm spinners extracted maximum advantage from the dry and turning conditions at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Morning Session Breakdown
South Africa began the day on 185-4, hoping for a solid push toward Pakistan’s total of 333, but Asif quickly derailed those plans. His very first over of the day produced a breakthrough as Kyle Verreynne edged a sharply spinning delivery to wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan for 10.
Batting with discipline and patience, Tristan Stubbs tried to anchor the innings, defying Pakistan’s spin attack for 256 minutes. However, Asif eventually got the better of him, trapping him leg-before for a well-made 76, which included six fours and a six.
Asif continued his dream debut by dismissing Simon Harmer lbw for 2, while fellow spinner Noman Ali joined the act, trapping Marco Jansen leg-before for 12.
With the pitch showing more turn and uneven bounce as the session progressed, Pakistan’s spinners looked increasingly dangerous, while the South African lower order fought to narrow the deficit.
Pakistan Eye First-Innings Lead
Pakistan’s total of 333 remains the benchmark, with Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel having provided the foundation in earlier sessions. As South Africa attempt to recover through their tailenders, Pakistan will be looking to wrap up the innings quickly and build on their advantage to push for a series win.
Asif Afridi’s remarkable debut, coupled with his poise and precision, has already made him the standout performer of the match — and potentially a key figure in Pakistan’s spin arsenal moving forward.
