Day three of the second Test in between South Africa and Pakistan in Cape Town saw tempers flare, with tense exchanges between Babar Azam and South African all-rounder Wiaan Mulder who became the highlight of the day. Pakistan, after a poor first innings, showed resilience in their second innings, ending the day on 213/1. But it was the steamy moment between Babar and Mulder that grabbed the attention.
What happened between Babar and Mulder?
The incident happened in the 32nd more than Pakistansecond innings. Babar Azam, batting with confidence, hit Mulder back at the no-striker’s end. Mulder, in what appeared to be a spontaneous reaction, threw the ball back towards the stumps. However, the ball missed the stumps and hit Babar on his pads, causing immediate tension.
Babar, clearly unhappy, exchanged words with Mulder. Referees quickly stepped in to de-escalate the situation before it got out of hand. Although it was a brief altercation, it added a fiery twist to an otherwise complex day of cricket.
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Record partnership between Masood and Babar
Pakistan’s second innings started with a bang, thanks to a record-breaking opening stand in between Shan Masood and Babar Azam. The duo put on a 205-run partnership, Pakistan’s highest for the first wicket against South Africa in Tests. Masood remained unbeaten on 102 while Babar fell for 81, extending his century drought.
The pair’s efforts were monumental, especially after Pakistan’s first innings collapsed for 194. Their combined determination helped Pakistan erase much of the deficit imposed by South Africa’s mammoth total of 615.
Babar’s century of drought continues
Despite his solid batting, Babar Azam has a Test century to go. His last three-figure score was in August 2023. In the first innings of this match, he was dismissed for 58 after pulling the leg-spinner’s shot. Kwena Maphak the gatekeeper.
Talking about his dismissals, Babar said, “Both the innings I batted well and then unfortunately I made a mistake. It was very disappointing because I started well but didn’t finish well. Unfortunately, as a batsman you make a lot of mistakes.”
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