Daijiworld Media Network - Rawalpindi

Rawalpindi, Oct 29: Pakistan batter Babar Azam faced heavy criticism from fans after being dismissed for a duck in the first T20I against South Africa at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Making his return to T20I cricket after nearly a year — his last appearance being in December 2024 — Babar failed to make an impact. In the sixth over of Pakistan’s innings, he mistimed a shot against pacer Corbin Bosch, gifting an easy catch to Reeza Hendricks at cover. The Pakistan star lasted only two deliveries at the crease.

Earlier in the match, Babar also dropped a regulation catch at long-on off Shaheen Afridi’s bowling, allowing George Linde a crucial reprieve in the 17th over. Linde capitalised on the opportunity, scoring 36 runs off 22 balls, helping South Africa post a formidable 194 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs.

Following his poor outing, social media users expressed disappointment, with several fans trolling Babar for his batting failure and fielding lapse.

Pakistan’s playing XI featured Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Salman Agha (captain), Usman Khan (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Abrar Ahmed.

South Africa’s XI included Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Matthew Breetzke, Donovan Ferreira (captain), George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Lizaad Williams, Nandre Burger, and Lungi Ngidi.