WATCH: Babar Azam plays 'tabla' on Sajid Khan's head
A video of Babar Azam playfully tapping spinner Sajid Khan’s head like a ‘tabla’ during Pakistan’s Test match against West Indies has gone viral, sparking mixed reactions among fans.
The moment occurred after Sajid dismissed Kevem Hodge for a duck in the second innings. As the team celebrated, Babar joined in with his unusual gesture, which quickly gained traction on social media.
While many fans found the celebration amusing, some criticised the Pakistan captain’s performance with the bat. A user commented that Babar should "focus on his batting instead of being a cheerleader" after failing in both innings.
Pakistan remains in a strong position, needing five more wickets to secure victory, with West Indies struggling at 54-5 in pursuit of 251 runs.
Previously, West Indies spinner Jomel Warrican produced a career-best performance, claiming 7/32 to bundle Pakistan out for 157 on day three of the first Test.
The visitors now need 251 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Pakistan resumed their second innings at 109/3 but suffered an early collapse.
Vice-captain Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan both fell for just two runs, while Warrican struck twice in quick succession to reduce the hosts to 113/5 in the 34th over.
Kamran Ghulam’s 27 provided brief resistance, but Warrican continued to dominate, dismissing Noman Ali and Sajid Khan cheaply.
The left-arm spinner also ran out Khurram Shahzad without facing a ball, completing his maiden Test five-for and becoming the first West Indies spinner to achieve the feat in Pakistan.
The final wicket fell to Gudakesh Motie, who removed Salman Ali Agha for 14, as Pakistan were dismissed in 46.4 overs. Warrican finished with figures of 7/32, while Motie picked up one wicket.
Earlier, Pakistan had gained a 93-run lead after bowling out West Indies for 137. Sajid Khan and Noman Ali had starred with the ball, taking four and five wickets, respectively.
Pakistan’s second innings started on a strong note, with Shan Masood (52) and Mohammad Huraira (29) adding 50 runs for the opening wicket. However, a mix-up resulted in Masood’s run-out, and Warrican then triggered a collapse.
West Indies, chasing 251, will aim to build a solid response when play resumes.
Playing XIs
Pakistan: Shan Masood (c), Muhammad Huraira, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, Abrar Ahmed, Khurram Shahzad.
West Indies: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Mikyle Louis, Keacy Carty, Kavem Hodge, Alick Athanaze, Justin Greaves , Tevin Imlach (wk), Gudakesh Motie, Kevin Sinclair, Jomel Warrican, Jayden Seales.