Historic SA vs PAK Test: 38-Year-Old Asif Afridi Stuns With 5-Wicket Debut; Critics Question Selection

Imagine waiting nearly four decades to play for your country, then stunning everyone with an incredible debut performance, only to face immediate criticism. Well, that’s exactly what happened to Pakistan’s Asif Afridi in November 2025 when he finally made his Test debut against South Africa, delivering a sensational five-wicket haul.

Key Takeaways

Asif Afridi debuted for Pakistan against South Africa in November 2025 at 38 years and 299 days old, becoming the third oldest Pakistani Test debutant.
He took a five-wicket haul on debut, making him the oldest bowler to achieve this feat.
Former fast bowler Tanvir Ahmed openly criticized Afridi’s selection, questioning his age and first-class record.
Faisal Akram secured a Domestic Category 1 contract and was named in the ODI squads for both the South Africa and upcoming Sri Lanka series.
The Pakistan vs South Africa Test series concluded in a hard-fought 1-1 draw.

The Unlikely Debutant: Asif Afridi’s Historic Entry

Here’s the thing: Test debuts don’t usually involve men close to 40. But Asif Afridi isn’t your usual debutant. At a remarkable 38 years and 299 days, he became one of the oldest players to play his first Test since 2000, and actually the third oldest ever for Pakistan.

You just know he felt the pressure. Yet, he pulled off something truly special. Afridi grabbed a stunning five-wicket haul in his very first Test against South Africa. He’s now the oldest bowler to achieve a five-wicket haul on Test debut. Talk about making a statement!

Expert Analysis: Doubts Amidst Dazzle

But honestly, not everyone was cheering. Former Pakistan fast bowler Tanvir Ahmed didn’t hold back. He publicly blasted Afridi’s inclusion on November 8, 2025.

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Ahmed questioned why Afridi, at his age, and with his first-class record, was picked. His exact words? He “doesn’t deserve to be in Test team.” That’s a strong claim, isn’t it?

Social Media Storm: Fans Divided

So, yeah, the internet exploded. Fans were absolutely divided. One side was celebrating this incredible, historic individual performance, the sheer determination. The other? They were echoeing Tanvir Ahmed, questioning the logic behind picking such an experienced, older player over younger talent. It really turned into a conversation starter, didn’t it?

Beyond the Test Match: Other Squad Surprises

Afridi wasn’t the only name making waves. Other players got some attention too. Remember Faisal Akram? The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced domestic contracts on October 30, 2025, and Akram landed a Domestic Category 1 contract. That’s a big deal.

And it gets better for Akram. He was also included in Pakistan’s ODI squad for both the home series against South Africa and the upcoming series against Sri Lanka, scheduled from November 11 to 15, 2025. Then there’s Rohail Nazir, who you can find in the Karachi Blues squad for the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025.

The Series Outcome: A Hard-Fought Draw

So, what about the main event, you ask? The Test series between Pakistan and South Africa concluded in November 2025. It ended in a 1-1 draw. Both teams fought hard, but couldn’t snatch overall victory.

Pakistan did manage to claim the ODI and T20I series, both with a 2-1 victory, during South Africa’s tour which wrapped up on November 8, 2025. So, some wins there, but the Tests remained a stalemate.

What does this mixed bag of results and controversial selections mean for Pakistan cricket moving forward? Will Asif Afridi continue to defy his age? And will the younger talents like Faisal Akram get their big break in the upcoming Sri Lanka series? You’ll have to keep watching!

Historic SA vs PAK Test: 38-Year-Old Asif Afridi Stuns With 5-Wicket Debut; Critics Question Selection

Key Takeaways