Pakistan Awards Test Cap to 38-Year-Old After Corruption Ban
Asif Afridi, a 38-year-old spinner, is set to make his international cricket debut after serving a ban for corruption. Afridi will receive his first Test cap as Pakistan faces South Africa in Rawalpindi for the second match of their series.
Debut Test Cap After Corruption Ban
Afridi’s path to this moment has been notably tumultuous. He was banned for two years due to his involvement in spot-fixing within Pakistan’s domestic cricket circuit. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reduced his ban to just over a year without providing a public explanation.
Match Details and Team Composition
This match will see Afridi paired with fellow left-arm spinner Noman Ali. Pakistan has opted for a strategy featuring two spinners along with one fast bowler, Shaheen Afridi. The decision comes after Pakistan secured victory in the first Test by a margin of 94 runs in Lahore.
- First Test Result: Pakistan won by 94 runs
- Noman Ali’s Performance: Achieved a 10-wicket haul
- Shaheen Afridi’s Bowling: Bowled 5 overs in the first innings, 8.5 in the second
Afridi’s Career Statistics
Before his ban, Afridi had a successful domestic career, including:
- First-Class Matches: 57
- Wickets Taken: 198
- List A Matches: 60
- Wickets Taken: 83
- T20 Matches: 85
- Wickets Taken: 78
South Africa’s Lineup Changes
South Africa welcomes back left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, who missed the first Test due to injury. They have opted to include tall pacer Marco Jansen for this crucial match, while Wiaan Mulder and Prenelan Subrayen will not play.
Current Match Progress
As the match unfolds, Pakistan’s score stands at 177 for 3 by tea in the second Test. Captain Shan Masood remains solid at 77 runs from 144 balls. Abdullah Shafique also contributed with 57 runs before being dismissed by Simon Harmer. Babar Azam, the former captain, continues to struggle with form, scoring only 16 runs before falling to a spectacular catch.
This Test promises to be an intense battle as both teams look to stake their claim in the series.
