Asif Afridi Debuts in Surprise Test Match Inclusion Against South Africa

Rawalpindi, Oct 20 (PTI) In a surprising move, Pakistan has introduced 39-year-old left-arm spinner Asif Afridi to the Test arena in the ongoing second match against South Africa at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, marking his debut in the format. Afridi, previously handed a suspension for spot-fixing, has been selected over the more experienced Abrar Ahmed.

Asif Afridi was initially banned for a year due to his involvement in spot-fixing during domestic games but was allowed to return to cricket after serving just six months, a decision the Pakistan Cricket Board has yet to explain. His inclusion means Pakistan will feature two left-arm spinners in their lineup, with Afridi joining the proficient Noman Ali, who notably secured a 10-wicket haul in Pakistan’s previous 94-run victory in Lahore. The team is opting for a single pace bowler, shouldering the responsibility on Shaheen Shah Afridi.

South Africa, aiming to bounce back after their defeat, have been reinforced by the return of left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, who sat out the first Test owing to fitness concerns. Additionally, they have introduced tall left-arm pacer Marco Jansen, choosing to bench Wiaan Mulder and Prenelan Subrayen in this encounter.

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