Babar Azam’s highly anticipated return to T20I cricket was over in a flash. The former captain suffered a nightmare comeback, dismissed for a two-ball golden duck in the first T20I against South Africa on October 28, 2025. This shocking moment completely derailed Pakistan’s chase of 195 runs in Rawalpindi.
Key Takeaways
- Babar Azam dismissed for a golden duck in his T20I return.
- South Africa set a challenging target of 195 runs.
- George Linde starred with both bat (36 runs) and ball (3 wickets).
- Pakistan wore special pink jerseys for breast cancer awareness.
- Pakistan’s run chase collapsed, reaching just 89/7 after 13 overs.
A Comeback Crumbles in Seconds
Talk about an anticlimax. After nearly a year away from the T20I squad, all eyes were on Babar Azam. But the comeback story turned into a horror show almost instantly. Facing South African bowler Corbin Bosch, Babar was gone without scoring a run.
The dismissal was swift and brutal. A catch by Reeza Hendricks sent the former skipper walking back to the pavilion, leaving the Rawalpindi crowd in stunned silence. This wasn’t just a wicket, it was the pivotal moment that triggered a massive collapse for the home side.
Expert Analysis: How South Africa Seized Control
South Africa put on a clinical performance. They built their imposing total of 194/9 on the back of a brilliant innings from Reeza Hendricks, who smashed 60 runs from just 40 deliveries. He set the tone early and put Pakistan’s bowlers under immense pressure.
Get the Latest Updates
Be part of our sports community for daily news, expert analysis, and insider info.
But the real star was George Linde. First, he provided a blistering finish with the bat, scoring a rapid 36 off 22 balls. Then, he came back with the ball to completely dismantle Pakistan’s middle order. His three crucial wickets, including Saim Ayub and Faheem Ashraf, ripped the heart out of the run chase.
Social Media Storm: Pink Kits and Shocking Ducks
The match was a major talking point online for two very different reasons. For the first time ever, the Pakistan team sported special pink jerseys to support breast cancer awareness as part of the #PINKtober campaign. The move drew a lot of attention and varied reactions from fans worldwide.
Of course, the other major trend was Babar’s failure. His golden duck sparked a social media meltdown among fans who had been eagerly awaiting his return. The combination of the high-profile comeback and the shocking dismissal created a perfect storm of online discussion and debate.
What’s Next for Pakistan?
With Pakistan’s chase derailed and the team struggling at 89/7, this opening loss is a tough pill to swallow. The focus now shifts from Babar’s return to the team’s ability to bounce back in the series. Can Pakistan recover from this collapse, or has South Africa set a dominant tone for the rest of the tour?