Pak vs SA 2nd Test: 38-Year-Old Asif Afridi Makes His Test Debut

It’s Pak vs. SA 2nd test day and the toss win was much needed for both the sides. Pakistan captain Shan Masood won the toss and he didn’t hesitate to call out Bat first. He was looking confident under a blazing Rawalpindi sky. The pitch looked rough, more abrasive than the one in Lahore. 

But the real headline is about Asif Afridi's debut at 38. That’s not something you hear every day in modern cricket. Nearly two decades in domestic trenches, 198 first-class wickets, and finally, his name on the Test sheet. For a player who’s bowled thousands of overs in anonymity, this was more than a call-up; it was redemption. “I waited for this my whole life,” he reportedly said before walking out to warm up.

Pakistan dropped Hasan Ali and went with just one frontline seamer, Shaheen Shah Afridi. The decision to go spin-heavy is based on the belief that spinners will rule this Test.

The surface? It already looked like a patchwork quilt before lunch. Cracks visible, powdery patches showing, the kind of thing batters either love early or fear late. 

That statement was clear when Masood opted for five bowlers, giving the spin department full control. Pakistan vs. South Africa Test suddenly felt less about pace and more about craft. The conditions screamed for slow bowling, and Asif’s inclusion proved Pakistan were listening.

For the visitors, South Africa had their own shuffle. Keshav Maharaj returned from injury, and Marco Jansen replaced Wiaan Mulder. Maharaj’s inclusion steadied their spin options, three slow bowlers ready to exploit the same dusty surface Pakistan had planned for. Aiden Markram, captaining in Temba Bavuma’s absence, admitted at the toss he would have batted too. When Ramiz Raja asked, “25% of the game depends on the toss,” Aiden Markram smiled and replied, “You can believe that.” But his eyes said otherwise.

Masood, though, stood calm at the other end, reading the surface like a man who’s been here before. Alongside Abdullah Shafique, Pakistan started steadily, knowing one misjudgment could undo hours of discipline. You could feel the focus. Every defensive stroke drew applause. Every risky one drew a sharp inhale from the crowd.

What made it even more compelling was the undercurrent, the Rawalpindi Test match isn’t just another fixture. Pakistan lead 1–0 in the series, and South Africa are desperate for World Test Championship points. Lose here, and their title defence takes a serious dent.

As the shadows grew longer, the atmosphere thickened. Fans clapped every single one from Masood like it was a boundary. You could sense what this meant. For Asif Afridi, playing his first international test, it must be surreal. From FATA to Rawalpindi, from long bus rides to first-class grounds to hearing the anthem in white, the journey had come full circle.

About Asif Afridi 

At 38 years and 299 days, Asif Afridi has become one of the rare cricketers to break into the Test arena at such an advanced age. Born on December 25, 1986, in Peshawar (North-West Frontier Province), Afridi’s journey is a story of patience, persistence, and raw passion for the sport.

Known for his left-arm orthodox spin and handy contributions with the left-handed bat, Asif Afridi has long been a dependable bowling allrounder across Pakistan’s domestic circuit. Despite years of consistency, national recognition eluded him, until now.

Domestic & Franchise Journey

Over the years, Afridi has represented several domestic and franchise teams across formats:

• Pakistan (National Team)
• Lahore Qalandars (PSL)
• Multan Sultans (PSL)
• Abbottabad / Abbottabad Falcons
• FATA Cheetas / FATA Region
• OGDC (Oil & Gas Development Company Limited)

Even though he is a little late to make a debut, his performances are extraordinary, particularly in the PSL. He bowls tight spells under pressure, often breaking key partnerships with his flight, dip, and sharp turn.

A Debut Worth the Wait

While many cricketers peak early, Asif Afridi has defied age norms to make in Pakistan test cricket squad. His late entry into the international arena is a symbol of relentless perseverance.

Not many expected this script. But that’s cricket, unpredictable. Sometimes, it rewards persistence over flair. And Asif Afridi’s debut isn’t just another stat; it’s a story of endurance meeting opportunity.

By stumps, Pakistan’s decision to bat first already looked justified. The pitch was cracking, the ball turning. If Asif can bowl with the same heart he’s shown for years, this could be his moment. You could feel it, something special might just unfold here in Rawalpindi.