Tensions are heating up in the New Year’s Test match between South Africa and Pakistan at Newlands, Cape Town. Babar Azam found himself in a fiery moment once again, this time arguing with South African bowler Wiaan Mulder during the second innings. After being asked to bat again, Babar and Shan Masood played brilliantly, putting together the highest ever opening partnership for Pakistan against South Africa, surpassing the previous record of 137 set by Imran Farhat and Taufeeq Umar in 2003.
However, things got intense in the 32nd over. Babar was driving the ball right back to the bowler when Mulder caught it in his follow-through but then threw it at Babar. Although Babar was just outside the crease, the throw missed him entirely, which frustrated Babar and led to some heated words exchanged between him and Mulder. Luckily, Shan Masood, the umpire, wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne, and South Africa’s captain Aiden Markram all stepped in to cool things down.
During this drama, Kyle Verreynne, the South African wicketkeeper, tried a tricky run-out attempt similar to Jonny Bairstow’s style, prompting conversations between him and umpire Kumar Dharmasena. Earlier, on Day 1, Babar also had a tense exchange with South African all-rounder Marco Jansen as the Proteas came out to bat.
Back to the match, Pakistan is fighting back well after being asked to bat again. Babar and Shan are showing excellent skills in the second innings. Before this, Pakistan was all out for just 194 runs in their first innings, while South Africa scored a massive 615 runs, with Ryan Rickelton smashing 259 runs and Temba Bavuma and Kyle Verreynne each scoring centuries.
South Africa leads the series 1-0 after winning the first Test by two wickets in Centurion. The Proteas are already set for the World Test Championship final, where they will face Australia at Lord’s Cricket Ground from June 11-16.
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