Babar’s Duck Headlines Pakistan’s Collapse as South Africa Dominate in Rawalpindi
It was a rough night for Pakistan fans in Rawalpindi as their team fell apart in the first T20 International against South Africa. The Proteas, missing a few of their senior players, still managed to hand Pakistan a heavy 55-run defeat — and the story of the night revolved around Babar Azam’s disappointing return.
Playing his first T20 since December 2024, Babar was warmly welcomed by more than 16,000 home fans, all hoping for a signature innings from their captain. He needed just nine runs to break Rohit Sharma’s all-time T20I run record — but fate had other plans. After facing only two deliveries, Babar mistimed a shot straight to Reeza Hendricks at cover, walking back for a duck. The stadium, which had been roaring moments earlier, suddenly fell silent.
South Africa had been put in to bat first and posted a strong total of 194 for nine. Reeza Hendricks set the tone with a fluent 60 off 40 balls, while debutant Tony de Zorzi played a lively 33 from 16. Quinton de Kock, returning to the shortest format, smashed five boundaries in his quick 23 before falling to Saim Ayub. George Linde then added crucial late runs, finishing with 36 off 22 balls.
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Pakistan’s bowlers had mixed success. Mohammad Nawaz stood out with figures of 3 for 26, and Saim Ayub chipped in with two wickets. But the home side leaked runs in the powerplay, as both Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah struggled with line and length. A dropped catch by Babar off Linde only added to Pakistan’s frustrations — a moment that seemed to sum up their night.
When it came to Pakistan’s batting, nothing went their way. Losing early wickets, the team never found rhythm in the chase. Saim Ayub did fight back with 37 from 28 balls, and Mohammad Nawaz showed intent late with 36 off 20. But it wasn’t enough. South Africa’s Corbin Bosch was the star with the ball, taking a career-best 4 for 14, including Babar’s wicket, while Linde supported with 3 for 31.
South African skipper Donovan Ferreira, leading in place of the injured David Miller, praised his side’s all-round effort, calling it a “collective win built on energy and smart execution.”
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, meanwhile, admitted his team’s batting lacked partnerships and discipline. “We just need to bat properly,” he said, stressing that the top order must take responsibility in upcoming matches.
With South Africa now 1–0 up in the three-match series, the teams head to Lahore for the remaining games on Friday and Saturday. Pakistan will need to regroup quickly if they want to avoid another home defeat — and all eyes will once again be on Babar Azam to deliver the comeback fans have been waiting for.
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