South Africa vs Pakistan 2nd Test Match: Altercation between Babar Azam and Wiaan Mulder

South Africa vs Pakistan Test Match Updates:

On the third day of the second Test between South Africa and Pakistan at Newlands, all-rounder Wiaan Mulder threw the ball aggressively at star batsman Babar Azam which led to a verbal altercation between the two which required the players and umpires to intervene.

The incident happened during the 32nd over of Pakistan’s follow-on innings when the visitors were trying hard to make a comeback after trailing by 421 runs in the first innings. Babar Azam who was at the crease with skipper Shan Masood played a drive towards Wiaan Mulder then Mulder caught the ball and threw it at the right-handed batsman’s feet in his follow-through. But Babar Azam was slightly outside the crease but the throw was far from a legitimate run-out attempt.

Babar Azam then exchanged words with Wiaan Mulder who was clearly unhappy with the unnecessary aggression. Aiden Markram and Masood along with the on-field umpires intervened to calm their respective players down so that the game could continue.

Babar Azam missed century:

Babar and Masood put together a brilliant 205-run opening partnership in the Test match which is a record opening partnership for Pakistan against South Africa in Tests. Masood opened the innings with an unbeaten century of 102 while Babar missed out on a century by scoring 81 runs.

The duo’s efforts helped Pakistan bounce back after a disappointing first innings where South African bowlers, including Wiaan Mulder, Kagiso Rabada and debutant Kwena Mphaka, demolished the middle order. While Babar’s innings ended just before stumps when he edged a delivery from Marco Jansen to the gully.