On day 1 of the first test between South Africa and Pakistan at Centurion was marked by heated exchanges and controversies on the field. The highlight of the drama involved the Pakistan batsman. Kamran Ghulam and South African pacemaker Kagiso Rabadatogether with the goalkeeper Kyle Verreynne. The incident, which quickly went viral, showed the intensity of the contest and the emotions running high among the players.
Kamran Ghulam causes stir: Heated exchange with Kagiso Rabada and Kyle Verreynne
The climax came during Pakistan’s 31st innings. Rabada, who was going to bowl the second ball of the over, was forced to stop mid-way when Kamran Ghulam He pulled away at the last moment, citing a distraction with the scope screen. Rabada, visibly agitated, expressed his discontent in no uncertain terms. In response, Ghulam lashed out with an insult, directing his frustration at both Rabada and Verreynne.
The microphones on the stumps clearly captured Ghulam saying: “Fuck you” The growing tensions in the countryside. Two deliveries later, the situation deteriorated further when Ghulam had another verbal dispute with Verreynne, once again resorting to abusive language. The on-field umpires quickly intervened, warned Ghulam and attempted to restore calm. The referee of the match, Richie RichardsonHe is expected to review the incident and Ghulam could face sanctions for violating the ICC Code of Conduct. This intense exchange set the tone for a competitive day of cricket, with emotions running high on both sides.
Here is the video:
Kamran Ghulam said “Fuck you” to Rabada and Verreynne.
Funny how all this aggression is coming from a team ranked No. 7, struggling on the points table, while South Africa is cruising at No. 3, soon to be No. 2, and has its sights set on the WTC Final. . Being at its limit Pakistan.#SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/KVcnaAdSgA
– H🇿🇦 (@MarkramBot) December 26, 2024
WATCH also: Dane Paterson sends Babar Azam packing on Day 1 of SA vs PAK 1st Test
Ghulam: a lone warrior for Pakistan
Despite his heated moments, Ghulam was Pakistan’s standout batsman. Walking under pressure, Ghulam played an aggressive knock of 54 off 71 balls, with eight crisp boundaries and a towering six. His innings briefly stabilized Pakistan’s faltering lineup, but his dismissal marked the beginning of the end for the visitors.
Ghulam’s departure was self-inflicted, as he ran down the track towards a backhanded delivery from Daniel Patersonfinishing off Rabada on fine leg. It was a frustrating end to an otherwise promising innings as Ghulam appeared to be the only batsman capable of handling South Africa’s disciplined bowling attack.
Pakistan’s batting collapse and South Africa’s bowling dominance
Pakistan’s batting difficulties continued and no other player managed to cross the 40-run mark. Former captain Babar AzamReturning to the Test group, he managed just four runs before losing one at second slip. Abdullah Shafiq (23 of 42) and Saud Shakeel (30 of 45) offered a brief resistance but failed to capitalize on their starts. The team’s inability to build partnerships left them reeling for 211 in just 57.3 overs.
The day belonged to South Africa’s bowlers, who demonstrated exceptional skill and discipline. Paterson was the standout player, sweeping Pakistan’s batting line-up with figures of 5/61. Debutante Corbin Bosch made an instant impact, claiming 4/61 with his raw pace and aggression. in response South Africa finished the first day with 82/3.