Rawalpindi: On the third day of the Rawalpindi Test between Pakistan and South Africa, the visitors are still battling through their first innings, having scored 235 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in response to Pakistan’s 333-run total. The day, however, belonged to debutant spinner Asif Afridi, who delivered a dream performance, claiming five wickets in his maiden Test innings.
➤ Pakistan’s Control Strengthened Early in the Morning
South Africa resumed their first innings on the third day at 185 for 4, with Tristan Stubbs and Kyle Verreynne looking to stabilize the innings. However, the morning session brought instant success for Pakistan as Asif Afridi struck in his very first over of the day, dismissing Dewald Brevis without adding a single run to the overnight total.
Afridi, maintaining a consistent line and exploiting the spin-friendly surface, then went on to remove Kyle Verreynne and Tristan Stubbs, both set batters, to complete a remarkable five-wicket haul in his debut Test innings — a feat that instantly won him the admiration of fans and teammates alike.
➤ Asif Afridi’s Magical Debut
Asif Afridi’s figures so far — 5 wickets for just over 70 runs — underline an exceptional debut for the left-arm spinner. His ability to extract sharp turn and bounce troubled the South African middle order throughout the morning.
Cricket experts have hailed his control and composure, with former cricketers noting that Afridi displayed the confidence of a seasoned bowler. His debut comes at a crucial time when Pakistan has been looking for consistent wicket-taking spinners to complement their pace attack.
“It’s a dream start for Asif Afridi,” said former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq on commentary. “He bowled with discipline and patience — hallmarks of a true Test spinner.”
➤ South Africa’s Middle-Order Collapse
South Africa’s innings, which once looked steady on Day 2, unraveled quickly in the face of Afridi’s sharp spin. The dismissals of Brevis, Verreynne, and Stubbs left the Proteas reeling at 210 for 7, with only lower-order resistance keeping them afloat.
Marco Jansen, who had shown promise, was trapped LBW by Nauman Ali, leaving South Africa further exposed. At the tea interval, the Proteas trailed Pakistan by nearly 100 runs, with Keshav Maharaj and Gerald Coetzee attempting to add some late runs.
➤ Pakistan’s First Innings: Strong Foundation Set
Earlier, Pakistan had posted a solid total of 333 in their first innings, anchored by captain Shan Masood’s 87-run knock. His patient yet fluent batting set the tone for the innings, while Saud Shakeel (66) and Abdullah Shafique (57) provided valuable partnerships in the middle order.
Despite the strong showing by Pakistan’s top order, South African spinner Keshav Maharaj was the standout bowler, claiming seven wickets with his left-arm spin, keeping Pakistan from building an even bigger lead.
➤ Asif Afridi’s Rise Through the Ranks
The story of Asif Afridi’s journey to the national Test side has captured attention. Known for his performances in domestic cricket, Afridi was rewarded for his persistence and hard work. His five-wicket haul on debut places him among a select group of Pakistani bowlers — including legends like Yasir Shah and Abdul Qadir — who made an immediate impact in their first Test.
