Left-arm spinner Asif Afridi is making his Test debut for Pakistan in the second red-ball match against South Africa at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

The 38-year-and-299-day-old player from Peshawar has been a seasoned domestic veteran, having played 57 first-class matches. His strong first-class cricket record includes 198 wickets, with 13 five-wicket hauls in 95 innings, highlighting his consistency as a left-arm spinner. He received his first Test cap from fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Asif Afridi was included in Pakistan’s playing XI, replacing pacer Hasan Ali for the crucial second match of the home series against the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) winners. This selection decision marks a shift to a spin-heavy attack on what is anticipated to be a turning pitch in Rawalpindi.

By playing his first Test at the age of 38 years and 299 days on Monday, October 20, Asif Afridi became the third-oldest player to make a Test debut for Pakistan.

The record for the oldest player to make a Test debut for Pakistan is held by Miran Bakhsh. He was 47 years and 284 days old when he played his first Test against India in Lahore on January 29, 1955

Amir Elahi is the second oldest. He made his Pakistan debut at 44 years and 45 days against India in Delhi on October 16, 1952. Interestingly, Elahi had previously played a Test for India against Australia on December 12, 1947, making him a unique figure in subcontinent cricket history.

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Oldest Test Debutants for Pakistan:

He is the second oldest player overall to make a Test debut. The oldest Test debutant in the world is James Southerton. He was 49 years and 119 days old when he played his first Test for England against Australia in Melbourne on March 15, 1877.

Asif Afridi becomes the second oldest to make his Test debut while playing for Pakistan 🇵🇰

Miran Bakhsh is their oldest at 47 when he debuted against India in 1955 pic.twitter.com/WNTpTcTw7M

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) October 20, 2025

Oldest Test Debutants in the 21st Century

The oldest player in the 21st century to make a Test debut is Ed Joyce. He was 39 years and 231 days old when he played for Ireland against Pakistan in Dublin on May 11, 2018.

Pakistan’s Playing XI for 2nd Test vs South Africa

Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood (C), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Salman Agha, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Asif Afridi