At 38 years and 301 days old, Pakistani spinner Asif Afridi became the oldest cricketer to take a five-wicket haul on Test debut, achieving 6-79 against South Africa in Rawalpindi on October 22, 2025. He broke a 92-year-old record held by Charles Marriott (37y 332d). 

Key details regarding Asif Afridi's record-breaking performance:

• Historic Feat: Afridi's figures of 6-79 in the first innings made him the oldest debutant to take a five-for in Test history.
• The Match: The performance took place in the second Test against South Africa at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in October 2025.
• Wickets Taken: He dismissed key South African batters including Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Kyle Verreynne, Simon Harmer, and Kagiso Rabada.
• Record Broken: He surpassed the 92-year-old record of England's Charles Marriott, who took a five-wicket haul on debut in 1933 at age 37.
• Background: Afridi, a left-arm spinner, made his first-class debut in 2009 and was a seasoned domestic performer prior to his Test call-up. 

This achievement placed him in a unique spot in cricket history as only the fourth player over the age of 35 to take a five-wicket haul on Test debut. 

More Details About Asif Afridi

Asif Afridi (born December 25, 1986) is a Pakistani left-arm orthodox spinner who became the oldest test debutant to take a five-wicket haul in his debut match, achieving this at age 38 in 2025. A consistent domestic performer, he has played for teams like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, FATA, and Multan Sultans, with 198 first-class wickets. 

Key Facts & Career Highlights

• Test Debut & Record: Made his Test debut for Pakistan against South Africa in October 2025, taking 6-79 in his first innings and becoming the oldest player (38 years, 299 days) to take a five-wicket haul on debut.
• Domestic Career: Debuted in 2009 but solidified his position after 2015, dominating for FATA and later the OGDCL department in President's Trophy.
• Performance: Known for control and variations, he has over 190+ first-class wickets at an average of roughly 25.
• Suspension & Return: In February 2023, he served a one-year ban (reduced from two years) for failing to report approaches regarding corrupt conduct, returning to domestic cricket in late 2023.
• Recent PSL: Represented Multan Sultans and Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).