KARACHI: The tri-nation ODI series clash between Pakistan and South Africa at the National Stadium here on Wednesday witnessed some heated moments, with tempers flaring during the first innings.
A heated altercation emerged in the 29th over when South Africa’s captain, Temba Bavuma, was run out after a disastrous mix-up with his partner.
Bavuma, who was leading from the front with a solid 82, fell short of his crease after a quick call for a single went horribly wrong.
The South African skipper pushed a length delivery to backward point and charged for a run, but his partner’s hesitation left him stranded.
Saud Shakeel, sharp in the field, fired in a direct throw to catch Bavuma well short. The umpire’s decision confirmed his dismissal, cutting short what could have been a match-defining knock.
Pakistan’s players erupted in celebration, but it was Saud and Kamran Ghulam (12th man) who made headlines with their intense send-off.
Saud, in particular, was fired up, celebrating right in front of Bavuma as he walked off—a charged moment that added spice to an already heated contest.
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The tension had been building even before Bavuma’s run-out, as Shaheen Afridi and South Africa’s Matthew Breetzke clashed in the 28th over.
It started with a verbal exchange after Breetzke took a run down the middle of the pitch, irking Shaheen.
Mohammad Rizwan, Bavuma, and the on-field umpire had to step in to defuse the situation. But the drama didn’t end there.
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On the final ball of the over, things boiled over when Shaheen charged towards Breetzke following an accidental collision.
The South African batter, running for a quick single, bumped into the fiery pacer while trying to avoid contact.
An agitated Shaheen confronted Breetzke, only for Khushdil Shah to intervene and push the South African away, with the umpire once again calming the scene.
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It’s worth noting that Pakistan defeated South Africa by six wickets, courtesy of captain Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha’s centuries, to qualify for the tri-nation series final against New Zealand.
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