Former Pakistan skipper Babar Azam had a disappointing outing in his first match in the shorter format for the Men in Green after more than 10 months. Babar, who was denied a spot in the T20I squad for the Asia Cup last month, faced backlash from fans on social media after the first T20I against South Africa.
Pakistan suffered a 55-run loss against a second-string South African side in the opening T20I at Rawalpindi on Tuesday, October 28. After opting to field first, the hosts allowed South Africa to post 195 on the board. In reply, Pakistan managed to score 139 runs in 18.1 overs and conceded a 0-1 lead in the series.
Babar Azam's much-anticipated T20I comeback ended in heartbreak as he was dismissed for a two-ball duck. Making his first appearance in the format since December 2024, the former Pakistan captain walked in to a roaring reception from over 16,000 fans.