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Who is Asif Afridi? The left-armer who replaced Hasan Ali in 2nd Test vs South Africa

Rajgeeta Yadav

Pakistan make one change in their playing XI against South Africa [Source: @CricinsightsX/X.com]Pakistan make one change in their playing XI against South Africa [Source: @CricinsightsX/X.com]

On October 20, Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first against South Africa in the second Test of the ongoing series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Captain Shan Masood announced one change in the playing XI, left-arm spinner Asif Afridi replaced pacer Hasan Ali, who went wicketless in the previous Test. South Africa, meanwhile, made two changes to their side.

Who is Asif Afridi?

Asif Afridi is a 38-year-old left-arm orthodox spinner from Peshawar. Known for his accuracy and consistency in domestic cricket, Afridi has been a steady performer over the years. Although this marks his Test debut for Pakistan, he has been a familiar name in the domestic circuit for over a decade.

Afridi made his first-class debut in 2009, playing three matches that season before a long hiatus. He returned in 2015 and gradually established himself as a reliable spin option. Over the course of his first-class career, he has played 57 matches, taking 198 wickets in 95 innings at an average of 25.49 and an economy rate of 2.92. 

With the bat, he has contributed 1,630 runs in 94 innings, including one century, which shows his ability to contribute lower down the order.

Why Pakistan replaced Hasan Ali

While captain Shan Masood did not explicitly reveal the reason for Hasan Ali’s exclusion, it is understood that the decision was tactical. Hasan Ali, 31, struggled in the opening Test and went wicketless, prompting the management to strengthen the bowling attack with an additional spinner. The Rawalpindi surface was expected to offer turn, making Afridi’s inclusion a strategic move to exploit spin-friendly conditions.

Notably, at 38 years and 299 days, Asif Afridi becomes Pakistan’s second-oldest Test debutant or third if counting Amir Elahi, who debuted for India before representing Pakistan.