RAWALPINDI: Rawalpindi witnessed a first-of-its-kind achievement in the 147-year history of Test cricket during the match between Pakistan and South Africa.
For the first time ever, three bowlers aged over 35 took five or more wickets each in the same Test match. South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer, along with Pakistan’s debutant Asif Afridi, delivered outstanding performances.
Maharaj, who is 35, claimed 7 wickets for 102 runs in Pakistan’s first innings.
Asef Afridi, aged 38, impressed with figures of 6 for 79 in South Africa’s first innings.
In Pakistan’s second innings, Harmer, 36, struck back with 6 wickets for 50 runs, marking a historic milestone for the Rawalpindi Test.
This match also brought another notable moment, as South Africa earned a Test victory on Pakistani soil after 18 years.
Their last win in Pakistan came in 2007 under the captaincy of Graeme Smith.
Pakistan had taken early control by posting 333 runs and reducing South Africa to 235 for 8, but the visitors’ tailenders staged a remarkable recovery by adding 169 runs for the last two wickets.
That partnership flipped the momentum, giving South Africa a 71-run lead. Pakistan struggled in their second innings and were bowled out for only 138, leaving a target of 68 runs, which South Africa chased down with ease for the loss of just two wickets.
Pakistan missed a great chance to secure a home series victory.
It is worth mentioning that Keshav Maharaj made his test debut in 2016 and has played 60 test matches so far.
He has claimed 212 wickets with the best figures of 9 for 125.
Simon Harmer has taken 52 wickets in the 12 test matches that he has played so far.
He picked up 6 wickets for conceding just 50 runs in Pakistan’s second innings in the Rawalpindi test.
These were his best bowling figures in test cricket.
Asif Afridi , after making his appearance in the last PSL edition, made a test debut in the second test match against South Africa at Rawalpindi.
