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In a dramatic twist during the third day of the second Test match between south africa i Pakistan at Newlands, emotions ran high and led to an intense clash between the South African all-rounder Wian Mulder and Pakistan’s star batsman Babar Azam.
Wiaan Mulder throws the ball aggressively towards Babar Azam
The tension rose in the 32nd over of Pakistan’s second innings after being forced to continue. Babar, known for his calm and composed demeanour, was at the center of controversy when Mulder, in an act of frustration, threw the ball back at him after Babar played a firm drive towards the bowler. The pitch, which was neither accurate nor necessary, hit Babar on the foot, drawing the immediate wrath of the Pakistani batsman.
Babar, visibly upset, engaged in a verbal spat with Mulder, pointing to the stumps to emphasize where the ball should have gone. This led to a heated argument where both players exchanged words, turning the atmosphere on the field into electricity as teammates from both sides and referees rushed to de-escalate the situation.
Here is the video:
Fighting moment between Babar Azam and Wiaan Mulder. 🥵
Wiaan Mulder unnecessarily throws the ball at Babar Azam and verbally abuses him. #BabarAzam𓃵 #PAKvsSA #SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/PZnPNTWELZ
— Ahtasham Riaz (@ahtashamriaz22) January 5, 2025
Also WATCH: South African commentator mocks Pakistan players’ English speaking abilities on Day 2 of Cape Town Test
Pakistan mounts a strong response later
The backdrop to this incident was a match where South Africa had dominated, with a formidable 615 in their first innings, thanks to centuries from Ryan Rickelton, Temba Bavumai Kyle Verreynne. Pakistan, in reply, were bowled out for just 194, setting the stage for a follow-on. The second innings started promisingly for Pakistan with Babar and the captain Shan Masood posting an opening record of 205 runs, the highest ever for Pakistan against South Africa in Test cricket.
However, the incident with Mulder seemed to momentarily disrupt the flow for Pakistan. However, Babar scored 81 before being dismissed by Marco Jansen. The day ended with Pakistan 213/1, behind by 208 runs, with Masood unbeaten on 102, setting the stage for a challenging Day 4 where Pakistan must bat long to avoid an innings defeat.
