Babar Azam’s T20I Return Ends in Duck & Defeat
In a night that promised redemption, Babar Azam’s much-anticipated return to T20 International cricket turned into a harsh reality check for both the player and Pakistan fans. The former captain, stepping back into the T20I arena after a 10-month absence, was dismissed for a golden duck in a crushing 55-run loss to South Africa in Rawalpindi .
The Costly Mistake
Before his dismissal, Azam’s night took a sour turn in the field. During South Africa’s innings, a crucial catch off the bat of Tristan Stubbs slipped through his fingers at deep mid-wicket. That dropped catch proved pivotal, allowing Stubbs to go on and play a match-defining knock. Stubbs, along with Ryan Rickelton and Bjorn Fortuin, powered the visitors to a formidable total of 194 for 5 .
A Duck on Comeback
Babar Azam’s return to the crease was short-lived. Facing the very first ball of Pakistan’s chase from paceman Nqaba Peter, he edged a delivery to wicketkeeper Rickelton. The crowd, which had roared in anticipation, fell into a stunned silence. It was his first T20I duck since 2021 and a brutal start to his comeback journey .
Pakistan’s Chase Crumbles
Without their talisman, Pakistan’s batting lineup struggled to find any rhythm. Despite a fighting 40 from Mohammad Rizwan, the team was bowled out for just 139 in 18.4 overs, handing South Africa a dominant 1-0 lead in the three-match series . The Proteas’ bowling attack, led by Fortuin’s 3 wickets, was relentless.
From Captain to Comeback Kid
This match marked Azam’s first T20I appearance since December 2024, ending a 15-game absence from the format . His return was seen as a key move to bolster a struggling Pakistani side, but the result has only intensified the scrutiny on his place in the T20 setup. The pressure is now immense for the star batter to deliver in the remaining matches.
Match Snapshot: PAK vs SA, 1st T20I
| Team | Score | Key Performers |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 194/5 (20 overs) | R. Rickelton (56), T. Stubbs (43), B. Fortuin (3/25) |
| Pakistan | 139 all out (18.4 overs) | M. Rizwan (40), B. Azam (0) |
What’s Next for Babar?
The spotlight is firmly on Babar Azam. His technical prowess has never been in question, but his ability to handle pressure in the shortest format is now under a microscope. With the next T20I just around the corner, he’ll be desperate to silence critics and prove his worth to the team management.