The third ODI between Pakistan and South Africa at Karachi's National Stadium on February 12 was a match filled with drama and tension, with key moments that shifted the course of the game.
One of the most significant incidents occurred when South Africa’s captain, Temba Bavuma, was run out following a misjudged single in the 29th over. Bavuma, who had been in excellent form, was batting well when disaster struck.
He played a length delivery to backward point and called for a quick single, but his partner hesitated. This left Bavuma stranded in the middle of the pitch. Saud Shakeel, positioned at backward point, reacted quickly and threw the ball directly at the stumps.
Bavuma was well short of his crease when the bails were dislodged, and the umpire confirmed his dismissal. Bavuma was out for 82, falling just short of what could have been a much-needed century for his team.
The dismissal sparked wild celebrations from the Pakistan fielders. Saud Shakeel and Kamran Ghulam, however, took their celebrations a step further. Shakeel, in particular, was seen passionately staring down Bavuma as he walked off the field, creating an intense emotional moment that heightened the drama of the match.
Before Bavuma’s run out, there had already been tension between Pakistan’s fast bowler Shaheen Afridi and South Africa’s Matthew Breetzke. The tension started in the 28th over when Afridi and Breetzke exchanged words on the penultimate ball.
It appeared Afridi was frustrated with Breetzke’s attempt to take a run in the middle of the pitch, prompting intervention from Mohammad Rizwan, Temba Bavuma, and the on-field umpire to settle the dispute.
The altercation reignited after the final ball of the over when Afridi charged toward Breetzke. Replays showed that Breetzke, who had hit a shorter delivery from Afridi towards deep square leg, tried to avoid a collision with the bowler while running for a single. However, he bumped into Afridi, further irritating the pacer.
Fellow Pakistani player Khushdil Shah quickly stepped in to push Breetzke away, and the umpire again intervened to calm the situation.
Despite all the drama, South Africa ended the innings on a strong note, sitting at 352/5. The match was far from over, but the fiery exchanges between the players had certainly added a new layer of intensity to the contest.
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