Heated Babar-Mulder exchange highlights day 3 of Cape Town test

On the third day of the second Test between South Africa and Pakistan in Cape Town, tempers flared, with a tense exchange between Babar Azam and South African all-rounder Wiaan Mulder becoming the highlight of the day. Pakistan, after a dismal first innings, showed resilience in their second innings, ending the day at 213/1. But it was the heated moment between Babar and Mulder that stole the show.

What happened between Babar and Mulder?

The incident occurred in the 32nd over of Pakistan’s second innings. Babar Azam, batting with confidence, bowled a drive to Mulder on the non-striker’s end. Mulder, in what seemed like a spontaneous reaction, threw the ball towards the stumps. However, the ball missed the stumps and hit Babar on his pads, causing immediate tension.

Babar, clearly dissatisfied, exchanged words with Mulder. The referees quickly intervened to calm the situation before it got out of control. While it was a brief altercation, it added a passionate touch to an otherwise quiet day of cricket.

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Record partnership between Masood and Babar

Pakistan’s second innings started strongly, thanks to a record opening position between Shan Masood and Babar Azam. The duo put together a partnership of 205 runs, Pakistan’s highest for the first wicket against South Africa in Tests. Masood remained unbeaten on 102, while Babar fell on 81, extending his century-long drought.

The pair’s effort was monumental, especially after Pakistan’s first innings collapse for 194. Their combined determination helped Pakistan erase much of the deficit imposed by South Africa’s mammoth total of 615.

Babar century drought continues

Despite his solid knock, Babar Azam’s wait for a Test century continues. His last three-figure score came in August 2023. In the first innings of this match, he was dismissed for 58 after beating a leg-side delivery from debutant Kwena Maphaka to the keeper.

Talking about his dismissals, Babar said: “I batted well in both the innings but unfortunately I made a mistake. It was very disappointing because I started well but didn’t finish well. Unfortunately, as a hitter you make a lot of mistakes.”

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