The Pakistan vs South Africa 2nd Test at Rawalpindi created history, an event that had not been experienced previously in almost 150 years of Test cricket. The older players set a new record in Test cricket.

Domination of older players: Keshav Maharaj, Asif Afridi, and Simon Harmer recorded five-wicket hauls

In the first innings of the Test match, while Pakistan scored 333 runs, the 35-year-old South African left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj recorded a seven-wicket haul as he had the bowling figures of 42.4-5-102-7. After Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon (four times), Maharaj became the second non-Asian bowler to record multiple seven-wicket hauls in Test cricket in Asia, while he previously recorded it in the 2018 Colombo (SSC) Test against Sri Lanka by recording nine wickets (9/129).

While South Africa replied with 404 all out, the 38-year-old Pakistan left-arm spinner Asif Afridi, who made his international cricket debut, recorded the bowling figures of 34.3-6-79-6.

Pakistan were bundled out for only 138 runs in their second innings, where the 36-year-old off-spinner Simon Harmer claimed a six-fer, as he had the bowling figures of 20-5-50-6. 

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First time three different bowlers over 35 years old recorded five-wicket hauls

This is the first time in Test cricket history that three different bowlers over 35 years old recorded a fifer in a Test match. The record of two bowlers over 35 years old claimed the five-wicket haul in a Test match happened 10 times before the 2025 Rawalpindi Test match between Pakistan and South Africa. 

It was the must-win Test for South Africa to only level the series, as they suffered a defeat in the first Test of the two-match Test series by 93 runs at Lahore. While South Africa had a target of 68 runs in the fourth innings, they comfortably chased that target by losing two wickets, as they won the Test match by eight wickets. 

Pakistan again trapped South Africa in a spin. The first Test match of the ongoing Pakistan vs. South Africa (PAK vs. SA) Test match witnessed magical spells from experienced spinner Noman Ali. In the second test, another experienced spinner went through the visitor's batting order. Asif Afridi, at 38 years of age, who made his Test debut, completed a 5-wicket haul against the World Test Champion team, South Africa.

The quality bowling of the debutant proved too much for the middle order of South Africa. Asif Afridi's inclusion in the Pakistan Test team was met with a lot of criticism. When most of the cricket teams are relying on young talents, the Pakistan Cricket Board's trust in a 38-year-old naturally attracted comments from the critics. In the field, Asif showed that age is only a number. 

At the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Pakistan won the toss and decided to bat first. Like the first match, for the second of the 2-match Test series, the pitch is spin-friendly. Under familiar circumstances, the home team scored 333 runs in their first innings. South Africa in their first innings was looking good on the challenge track when Tristan Stubbs and Tony de Zorzi were batting. Both of the emerging batters completed half-centuries each. 

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Asif Afridi took 5 wickets in PAK vs SA 2nd Test match

FIVE-FOR ON DEBUT FOR ASIF AFRIDI. 🇵🇰

- Faced criticism over his selection and age, but proves his worth with a brilliant performance. 🫡👏 pic.twitter.com/JLi64OTzFD

— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) October 22, 2025

Asif got the breakthrough. He single-handedly took the middle order of the opposite side. Stubbs departed for 76, Zorzi was gone for 55, Dewald Brevis went back to the pavilion for a duck, Kyle Verreynne claimed only 10, and Simon Harmer got only 2 runs before falling short against Asif Afridi. The spinner completed his 5-wicket figure before the lunch of Day 3. 

As of now, Pakistan is leading the race to win the second consecutive match in the Whites. It is a must-win match for South Africa, as they were defeated in the previous match as well. 

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

In a bold selection move, Pakistan have handed a maiden Test cap to 38-year-old left-arm spinner Asif Afridi for the first Test against South Africa, starting October 12 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The match marks the beginning of a new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle for both sides, with Pakistan aiming for a strong start after finishing at the bottom in the previous edition.

Afridi, a seasoned domestic performer, has been rewarded for his consistency in the longer format, having taken 198 wickets in 57 first-class matches at an impressive average of 25.49. He will partner fellow veteran Nauman Ali, 39, who has 83 wickets in 19 Tests at 24.75. The spin duo is expected to play a crucial role on a surface that traditionally aids slow bowlers in Lahore.

Afridi’s inclusion comes after regular spinner Sajid Khan was ruled out due to a viral fever, opening the door for his long-awaited debut. Known for his accuracy and flight, Afridi’s story is also one of redemption, he was banned by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in 2022 for failing to report a corrupt approach under the board’s Anti-Corruption Code. Having served his suspension and returned strongly to domestic cricket, he now finds himself in the national side, looking to make the most of this second chance.

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Masood begins Test captaincy stint with spin-heavy lineup against Proteas

The series also marks Shan Masood’s first assignment as Test captain. Pakistan have opted for a balanced combination, mixing experience with fresh energy. Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique will open the innings, followed by Masood at No. 3. Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, and Mohammad Rizwan form a solid middle order, while Salman Ali Agha retains his place despite an inconsistent Asia Cup campaign.

On the bowling front, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Hasan Ali will handle pace duties, with the focus clearly on spin dominance through Nauman and debutant Asif.

With a fresh WTC cycle underway, Pakistan will look to rebuild their red-ball reputation, especially on home soil, while South Africa, the defending WTC champions, aim to begin their campaign on a strong note. But against a spin-heavy Pakistani attack on turning tracks, it could be their sternest test yet.

Pakistan Playing XI: Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Nauman Ali, and Asif Afridi.