'Easiest Batsmen To Trap': Babar Azam’s Shot Selection Under Fire After Falling To 18-Year-Old

Babar Azam's Reckless Dismissal by Kwena Maphaka [Source: @Saabir_Saabu01/X.com]

South Africa youngest Test debutant, Kwena Maphaka, made headlines after dismissing Pakistan's star batter Babar Azam in the ongoing Test match at Newlands Stadium, Cape Town. The 18-year-old pacer claimed his maiden Test wicket in style, and social media quickly went into a frenzy, with fans and critics alike reacting to Babar's dismissal.

Day 3 of the 2nd Test between Pakistan and South Africa started with Pakistan in a precarious position. The team was reeling at 20/3, still trailing by 595 runs. Babar Azam, along with wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, began to steady the ship with a 98-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

Babar looked in fine touch, bringing up his second consecutive Test fifty with controlled strokes and quick running between the wickets. His innings of 58 runs off 127 deliveries included seven boundaries. Just when it seemed like the Pakistan star was set for a big score, Maphaka delivered a game-changing moment.

On the 5th ball of the 35th over, Maphaka bowled a loose delivery down the leg side. Babar tried to flick it but got a faint edge, which the South African wicketkeeper caught comfortably. The stadium erupted in celebration, and Maphaka was ecstatic to claim the prized scalp of Babar Azam as his first Test wicket.

Social Media Reacts To Babar's Dismissal

The dismissal sparked a storm on Twitter. Fans of both teams flooded the platform with reactions. Some praised Maphaka's historic achievement, while others criticised Babar's poor shot selection and his inconsistency in recent Tests.

Babar’s recent form has been a topic of discussion in cricketing circles. In the nine Tests before this series, he averaged just 20.7, with a highest score of 41. His recent fifties in consecutive matches seemed to indicate a return to form, but his dismissal against Maphaka has reignited concerns about his ability to convert starts into big scores.

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