RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s left-arm spinner Asif Afridi has written his name into the annals of cricket history, becoming the oldest player ever to claim a five-wicket haul on Test debut.

The 38-year-old achieved the remarkable feat on Wednesday, during the third day of the second Test against South Africa at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Afridi’s milestone broke a record that had stood untouched for 92 years.

Afridi produced a stunning spell of spin bowling, tearing through South Africa’s middle order with precision and control. His victims included Tristan Stubbs, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Kyle Verreynne, and Simon Harmer — a performance that turned the game in Pakistan’s favour.

At 38 years and 301 days, Afridi eclipsed the previous record held by England’s Charles Marriott, who took five wickets on debut at the age of 37 years and 332 days back in 1933.

This achievement places Afridi among a select group of cricketers who made their mark late in their careers. Only a handful of players over 35 — including Hines Johnson of the West Indies (1948) and England’s D.W. Carr (1909) — have managed a five-wicket haul on debut. But Afridi stands alone as the only one to do it past the age of 38.

Within Pakistan’s cricket history, Afridi’s accomplishment is just as rare. Only Noman Ali, who bagged five wickets on debut at 34 against South Africa in 2021, and Bilal Asif, who achieved the feat at 33, have come close.

Afridi’s story is one of patience, perseverance, and passion — a reminder that dreams in sport have no expiry date.

“It’s a moment I’ve dreamed of my whole life,” Afridi said after the day’s play. “To achieve it here in front of my home crowd makes it even more special.”

A debut to remember — and a record that may stand for generations.