RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam endured a forgettable outing on his T20I return as he matched Shahid Afridi’s unwanted record of most ducks for Pakistan in T20 internationals during the first T20I against South Africa at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
The former captain, who last featured against South Africa in 2024, was dismissed for a second-ball duck by Corbin Bosch in the final over of the powerplay — a dismissal that saw him register his eighth duck in T20Is, equalling Afridi’s tally.
With this, Babar now sits joint-third on Pakistan’s list of most ducks in T20I cricket. Umar Akmal leads the chart with 10 ducks, followed by Saim Ayub with nine, while Afridi and Babar share the third spot with eight apiece.
Most Ducks for Pakistan in T20Is
Umar Akmal – 10
Saim Ayub – 9
Babar Azam – 8
Shahid Afridi – 8
Kamran Akmal – 7
Mohammad Hafeez – 7
South Africa outclassed Pakistan by 55 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. A composed half-century from Reeza Hendricks (60 off 40) and a clinical bowling effort, led by Corbin Bosch (4 wickets) and George Linde (3 wickets), sealed the win for the visitors.
Batting first, South Africa piled up a challenging 195/6. Hendricks anchored the innings with support from Tony de Zorzi (33 off 25), Quinton de Kock (23 off 18), and Linde (36 off 22), who provided late fireworks.
For Pakistan, Mohammad Nawaz was the standout bowler, returning 3 for 26 in four overs. Saim Ayub, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Abrar Ahmed chipped in with a wicket each.
In reply, Pakistan’s batting lineup collapsed under pressure, folding for 139 in 18.1 overs. Despite promising starts from Saim Ayub (37 off 28) and Mohammad Nawaz (36 off 20), the home side failed to sustain momentum. Sahibzada Farhan added 24 off 19, but wickets fell at regular intervals.
Bosch’s fiery spell of 4/23 dismantled Pakistan’s top order, while Linde (3/29) and Williams (2/22) ensured there was no comeback.
With this comprehensive victory, South Africa have taken early control of the series, while Pakistan will look to bounce back in the second T20I to avoid further embarrassment on home soil.
