Whereas speaking about Pakistan’s veteran batsman Babar Azam, former South African all-rounder Shaun Pollock incorrectly referred to Pakistan captain Shan Masood as ‘India’s captain’.
Pakistan will host South Africa in a two-match Check collection, with the primary match in Lahore beginning right now. Pakistan’s veteran cricketers Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are again for Pakistan.
The thrill surrounding Babar Azam reached a fever pitch on the primary day of the primary Check between Pakistan and South Africa on the Gaddafi Stadium. Even former South African all-rounder Sean Pollock was within the midst of euphoria.
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Shaun Pollock calls Shan Masood ‘India’s captain’
After the primary wicket fell, the Gaddafi Stadium crowd needed to wait fairly some time to catch a glimpse of Babar Azam as Shan Masood and Imam-ul-Haq placed on a wide ranging 161-run partnership for the second wicket.
Nevertheless, the wait was over as Masood (76) was dismissed by Prenelan Subbrien within the forty eighth over of the sport, forcing Babar to the crease. As quickly because the wicket fell, the gang erupted right into a refrain of “Babar, Babar”.
Even earlier than Masood’s wicket truly fell, Pakistan’s dwelling crowd erupted with each attraction from the South African bowlers. This was what raised questions for the previous South African captain. However he tousled too, calling Shan Masood ‘India’s captain’.
Sean Pollock
“I can’t consider they (crowd) requested Pakistan captain to go away simply to see Babar Azam on the crease 😭😭.”pic.twitter.com/qov8q8Fssq
— Hassan Abbasian (@HassanAbbasian) October 12, 2025
“I can not consider they wish to hold Indian captain Shan Masood out simply to power Babar into the crease. I feel they should discuss to their supporters,” Pollock stated on air.
Pakistan supporters in Lahore arrive with posters of ‘King Babar’
Babar Azam will return to play for Pakistan for the primary Check at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore after lacking out on the 2025 Asia Cup. A number of supporters arrived at Gaddafi Stadium with posters of King Babar, ready for the star participant to return.
This was the primary time he had final performed worldwide cricket for the reason that three consecutive ODI collection in opposition to West Indies. Talking of the primary Check between Pakistan and South Africa, the hosts received the toss and selected to bat first.
The match additionally marked Mohammad Rizwan’s long-awaited return to the Pakistan facet after lacking the 2025 Asia Cup, however the collection marked the start of a brand new ICC World Check Championship cycle for the Proteas.
Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha make promising returns after Babar’s ugly upset
Imam-ul-Haq and skipper Shan Masood solid an important 150-run partnership for the second wicket after Abdullah Shafiq was dismissed for simply two runs. Nevertheless, Masood and Imam-ul-Haq had been dismissed in fast succession.
Babar Azam has made his long-awaited return to the longest format of the sport. Nevertheless, he was despatched off after conceding solely 23 factors. Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha contributed with a six-wicket century partnership as Pakistan collapsed once more with 5 wickets very quickly.
Nevertheless, Pakistan had been rescued from a essential scenario by two batsmen who crossed the 300 mark within the first innings on the primary day of the Lahore Check.
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