• Babar Azam's struggles in Test cricket persisted as he fell for a low score on the first day of the Centurion Test.

  • South Africa won the toss and elected to bowl first against Pakistan.

SA vs PAK: Fans mercilessly troll Babar Azam for his flop show with the bat on Day 1 of Boxing Day Test
Babar Azam (Image Source: X)

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Babar Azam’s much-anticipated return to Pakistan’s Test setup proved anticlimactic as the star batter managed to score just four runs before falling to a soft dismissal against South Africa. Entering the crease at 36/1 during the 15th over, Babar started with flair, striking an authoritative boundary on the very first ball he faced. The shot seemed to signal the arrival of a classic Babar innings, but his stay at the crease was short-lived.

Babar Azam’s shot selection under scrutiny

The mode of dismissal once again raises questions about Babar’s shot selection in Test cricket. After a promising start with a boundary, the Pakistani skipper appeared hesitant, playing nine consecutive dot balls before attempting an ill-timed dab to a wide delivery.  On second ball of the 18th over, he edged a wide delivery from Dane Paterson straight to Aiden Markram at second slip. Markram made no mistake, completing a straightforward catch to send the Pakistan former skipper back to the pavilion. The shot lacked conviction and resulted in an easy catch for Markram, leaving the visitors in a precarious situation on Day 1 of the first Test against South Africa at SuperSport Park, Centurion.

Also WATCH: Dane Paterson sends Babar Azam packing on Day 1 of the SA vs PAK 1st Test

A tough start for Pakistan’s batting lineup against South Africa

Babar’s dismissal further extends a worrying drought in the longer format of the game. The right-hander has now gone 19 consecutive Test innings without a fifty-plus score. His last significant contribution came in December 2022 during the Boxing Day Test against New Zealand, where he scored an emphatic century in Karachi.

Babar’s early departure was a major setback for Pakistan, who relied on their skipper to anchor the innings on a challenging Centurion pitch. His wicket brought vice-captain Saud Shakeel to the crease as Pakistan attempted to rebuild. But he fell early too somehow Pakistan have reached 88/4 at Lunch. However, the dismissal also ignited a storm on social media, with critics and followers expressing disappointment over Babar’s continued inability to convert starts into substantial scores in Test cricket.

Here’s how fans reacted: 

Also READ: SA vs PAK 2024-25, Test Series: Broadcast, Live Streaming details – When and where to watch in India, USA, South Africa, Pakistan, other countries

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