Asif Afridi collects four runs against South Africa, but his real ‘debut’ awaits

RAWALPINDI: After years of toil in Pakistan’s domestic cricket circuit, Asif Afridi finally earned his moment under the sun, making his long-awaited Test debut on Monday against South Africa at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. But while the pre-match ceremony was full of emotion and inspiration, the 38-year-old’s first outing with the bat lasted just three balls – enough for a single boundary before an early exit. However, that is not why he has been included in the team. It’s his skill as a bowler.

Before delving into that, let’s look at his batting. Afridi is Pakistan’s 260th Test cricketer. He entered the arena to warm applause, having become the second-oldest debutant in the country’s Test history – only behind Miran Bakhsh, who debuted in 1955 at over 47 years of age. The left-arm spinner was presented his cap by star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi in a touching moment captured and shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on social media.

In his short yet eventful stay at the crease, Asif wasted no time making his mark – dispatching his first boundary in style. But the fairytale start was short-lived. Attempting another aggressive stroke just two deliveries later, he mistimed his shot and was caught, walking back for 4 runs off 3 balls.

A seasoned campaigner in the domestic circuit, Afridi’s selection was seen as a reward for years of consistent performances, including a standout season in the 2025–26 Hanif Mohammad Trophy where he topped the bowling charts with 33 wickets in just five matches. His left-arm spin and vast experience were touted as valuable assets in a Test series Pakistan are eager to seal, following their 93-run win in the first match.

Though his debut innings with the bat didn’t leave a lasting impression, and perhaps was not expected to either, Afridi’s real test will come with the ball – where he has made his name with 198 first-class wickets in 57 matches, including 13 five-wicket hauls.

With Pakistan looking to wrap up the series, the focus now shifts to how Afridi handles the pressure with the ball in hand – and whether his story still has the late-career twist fans were hoping for.