The third day of the second Test between South Africa and Pakistan in Cape Town saw tempers flare, with a tense exchange between Babar Azam and South African all-rounder Wiaan Mulder becoming the highlight of the day. Pakistan, following on after a dismal first innings, showed resilience in their second innings, ending the day at 213/1. But it was the heated moment between Babar and Mulder that stole the spotlight.
What Happened Between Babar and Mulder?
The incident occurred in the 32nd over of Pakistan’s second innings. Babar Azam, batting confidently, played a drive back to Mulder at the non-striker’s end. Mulder, in what seemed like a spontaneous reaction, hurled the ball back towards the stumps. However, the ball missed the stumps and hit Babar on his pads, sparking immediate tension.
Babar, clearly unhappy, exchanged words with Mulder. The umpires stepped in quickly to de-escalate the situation before it could spiral out of control. While it was a brief altercation, it added a fiery twist to an otherwise composed 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 between Shan Masood and Babar Azam. The duo stitched together a partnership of 205 runs, 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 effort was monumental, especially after Pakistan’s first-innings collapse for 194. Their combined grit helped Pakistan wipe out much of the deficit imposed by South Africa’s mammoth total of 615.
Babar’s Century Drought Continues
Despite his solid knock, Babar Azam’s wait for a Test century continues. His last three-figure score came back in August 2023. In the first innings of this match, he was dismissed for 58 after edging a leg-side delivery from debutant Kwena Maphaka to the wicketkeeper.
Speaking about his dismissals, Babar said, “Both innings I batted well, then unfortunately I made a mistake. It was very disappointing because I started well but did not finish well. Unfortunately as a batsman you make a lot of mistakes.”
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