Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam endured a disappointing return to T20I cricket, equalling former captain Shahid Afridi’s record for most ducks in the format.
The 31-year-old was dismissed for a second-ball duck by South Africa’s Corbin Bosch in the final over of the powerplay during the first T20I of the three-match series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
With this dismissal, Babar has now registered eight ducks in T20Is, placing him fourth on the list of most international ducks for Pakistan in the format.
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Afridi also has eight, while Saim Ayub holds the second spot with nine in 49 matches.
Umar Akmal leads the chart with 10 ducks in 84 matches.
Most T20I ducks for Pakistan:
Umar Akmal – 10 ducks in 84 T20I matches
Saim Ayub – 9 ducks in 49 T20I matches
Shahid Afridi – 8 ducks in 98 T20I matches
Babar Azam – 8 ducks in 129 T20I matches
Kamran Akmal – 7 ducks in 58 T20I matches
Mohammad Hafeez – 7 ducks in 119 T20I matches
South Africa, meanwhile, secured a 55-run win in the series opener, powered by Corbin Bosch’s four-wicket haul and Reeza Hendricks’ composed 60 off 40 balls.
READ: Clinical South Africa humble Pakistan to go 1–0 up in Rawalpindi
Chasing 195, Pakistan collapsed for 139 in 18.1 overs.
For Pakistan, Saim Ayub top-scored with 37 runs, striking one four and four sixes.
Mohammad Nawaz played a fighting knock of 36 off 20 deliveries, hitting four boundaries and two sixes, while Sahibzada Farhan contributed 24 off 19.
In bowling, Nawaz led the attack with figures of 3 for 26.
Ayub picked up two wickets, while Abrar Ahmed, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Shah Afridi claimed one each.
South Africa’s batting also saw quick contributions from George Linde (36 off 22), debutant Tony de Zorzi (33), and returning Quinton de Kock (23).
Bosch spearheaded the visitors’ bowling with four wickets, followed by Linde with three and Williams with two.
