Mon Jan 06 15:04:44 UTC 2025: ## Heated Exchange Mars Pakistan’s Fightback in Cape Town Test
**Cape Town, South Africa:** Day three of the second Test between South Africa and Pakistan saw a thrilling display of cricket punctuated by a heated confrontation between Pakistan captain Babar Azam and South African all-rounder Wiaan Mulder. South Africa, after piling on a massive 615 runs in their first innings, enforced the follow-on after bowling out Pakistan for a paltry 194.
Pakistan’s response was initially impressive, with openers Shan Masood (102*) and Babar Azam (81) forging a record-breaking 205-run opening partnership – surpassing their team’s first innings total. However, the partnership was overshadowed by an on-field clash between Babar and Mulder.
The incident occurred in the 32nd over when Babar played a shot back towards Mulder at the non-striker’s end. Mulder’s return throw, ostensibly aimed at the stumps, struck Babar on the pads, sparking a verbal altercation between the two players. Umpires swiftly intervened to defuse the situation.
Despite his impressive start, Babar’s innings ended at 81, extending his Test century drought that began in August 2023. He expressed his disappointment at failing to convert his good start into a century, admitting to making mistakes in both innings.
Despite the heated exchange and Babar’s dismissal, Pakistan ended the day at 213/1, leaving the match finely poised heading into day four. The Masood-Babar partnership, however, remains a highlight, setting a new record for Pakistan’s highest opening stand against South Africa in Tests.
First Piper 