During the first Test between Pakistan and South Africa at Gaddafi Stadium, former Pakistan captain and commentator Ramiz Raja caused a stir.
 |
| Image Source: India Today |
The incident happened on the first ball of the 49th over. Babar Azam was batting on just 1 run when he was given out caught behind off Senuran Muthusamy. As Babar immediately asked for a DRS review, Raja was heard off-microphone saying, “yeh out hain, drama karega” (This is out, now he will act).
The comment was not part of the broadcast but the microphones picked it up, and it quickly spread on social media. Later, replays showed there was no edge from Babar’s bat, and the on-field decision was reversed.
Pakistan had won the toss and chose to bat first. Opener Imam-ul-Haq and captain Shan Masood gave Pakistan a solid start with a 161-run partnership. However, both fell short of centuries, with Haq scoring 93 and Masood 76. Their dismissals led to a middle-order collapse, and Pakistan slipped from 163/1 to 199/5.
Babar Azam came in at a crucial time when the team needed him to stabilize the innings. But he struggled, scoring only 23 runs off 48 balls before being dismissed by Simon Harmer in the 60th over.
After the slump, Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha steadied the innings. They ended Day 1 with an unbeaten 114-run partnership. Pakistan finished at 313/5, with Rizwan on 62* and Agha on 52*. Both handled South Africa’s three-spinner attack well, showing good footwork and shot selection.
South Africa, the defending WTC champions, are aiming for an 11th consecutive Test win. With stand-in captain Aiden Markram in charge and the absence of Temba Bavuma, they played three spinners along with pace bowler Kagiso Rabada.
This series also starts Pakistan’s 2025-27 World Test Championship campaign. It is a key chance for them to start strong after finishing at the bottom in the last cycle.