Pakistan spinner Asif Afridi In October 2025, he created cricket history by becoming the oldest bowler to take a five-wicket haul on his Test debut. At the age of 38 years and 299 days, Afridi broke a record that had stood for more than nine decades. His notable achievement came during the second test South Africa in Rawalpindi, where he weaved a web around the Proteas’ middle order with skilful left-arm spin. This milestone places Afridi in a rare group of experienced cricketers who have made a stunning impact on their introduction to Test cricket.
Asif Afridi’s historic test debut
Afridi’s debut was an inspiring testament to tenacity and skill. The left-arm spinner made the most of his opportunity, taking 5 wickets for 46 runs in an innings, a performance that not only helped Pakistan gain a significant lead in the match, but also etched his name in the record books. Afridi’s bowling was characterized by disciplined accuracy, variety of pace and subtle turn, which left the South African batsmen struggling to find answers. His breakthrough wicket came when he trapped Simon Harmer LBW during the morning session on the third day, a moment that electrified the home crowd as Afridi went down on his knees in gratitude upon reaching the five-wicket milestone.
His first attempt rewrote history as he crossed it England‘S charles marriotWho previously held the record of the oldest player to take five wickets on Test debut at the age of 37 years and 332 days. Marriott’s record has not faced a challenge since 1933, when he accomplished the feat against west indies In the Oval. Afridi’s performance is a special moment in Pakistan cricket and highlights the value of experience and perseverance regardless of age in international Test cricket.
Oldest debutant to take five wickets in Test
The elite group of oldest debutant bowlers to take a five-wicket haul in Test matches spans over a century and includes some notable cricketers whose debuts came late in their careers but left an indelible mark:
| player | age | rival | Year |
| Asif Afridi (PAK) | 38 years 299 days | South Africa | 2025 |
| Charles Marriott (England) | 37 years 332 days | west indies | 1933 |
| Hines Johnson (West Indies) | 37 years 258 days | England | 1948 |
| Douglas Carr (England) | 37 years 145 days | Australia | 1909 |
- charles marriot
Charles “Father” MarriottHis debut is unique not only because of his age, but also because he took five-wicket hauls twice in the same match, finishing the match with an exceptional 11 for 96. Despite this excellent performance, Marriott never played another Test match. He was a clever leg spinner whose deft ball fight and perfect length confounded the West Indies, and set a rare record of surprises in a Test.
- hynes johnson
hynes johnson He was the oldest West Indies fast bowler to achieve this feat at the age of 37 years and 258 days. He made his memorable debut against England at Kingston in 1948, taking five wickets in each innings and leading his team to victory. Johnson was celebrated for his economical bowling and consistent wicket-taking ability.
- douglas carr
douglas carrAn English bowler who made his Ashes Test debut in 1909 at the age of 37 years and 145 days AustraliaThere was another notable case. Carr had limited first-class experience, but was selected for his unique skill in bowling the googly, then a relatively new and deceptive delivery style. He made a remarkable debut despite limited experience at the highest level, taking five wickets in his only Test innings.
- Asif Afridi
Afridi’s achievement adds to this distinguished list, emphasizing the timeless nature of cricket where age often becomes secondary to skill and determination. His success is particularly inspiring as it came after years of perseverance in Pakistan domestic cricket and patiently waiting for a national call-up far beyond the traditional age for international debutants. His achievement is a reminder that talent with resilience can create historic cricket moments, regardless of age.
