A rare and rather awkward moment unfolded at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Sunday during the opening day of the first Test between Pakistan and South Africa. The home crowd erupted in cheers, not for a boundary or a wicket of the opposition, but for the dismissal of their own captain, Shan Masood.
The reason was simple, Babar Azam was next in to bat.
Masood had been playing beautifully, scoring 76 runs and sharing a solid 161-run stand with Imam ul-Haq, who made 93. But when he was trapped leg-before by South African spinner Prenelan Subrayen, the atmosphere in the stadium changed in a surprising way. Instead of disappointment, loud cheers echoed around the ground as fans eagerly awaited Babar’s arrival at the crease.
When the big screen confirmed the umpire’s decision, the crowd once again cheered, celebrating Masood’s dismissal so they could finally see Babar bat.
The reaction stunned many, including South African commentator Shaun Pollock, who couldn’t hide his amusement.
Shaun Pollock: Baz,They Are Pakistan Supporters Why Are They Disappointed (On Catch Drop) ?
— Alyan (@32ndwhenn) October 12, 2025
Bazid Khan: I Think You Haven’t Seen The Scorecard,Who’s Coming Next.
Pollock: Now I Understand.
Insane Aura Babar Man Insane Aura pic.twitter.com/qxZxkmssB3
“Baz, they are Pakistan supporters. Why are they disappointed on that dropped catch?” Pollock asked during commentary.
Bazid Khan replied, “I think you haven’t seen the scorecard. Guess who’s coming next.”
Pollock laughed and said, “Now I understand.”
Babar walked in to a thunderous reception, with fans chanting his name and waving flags. However, their excitement didn’t last long as the former captain fell soon after for 23. Following his dismissal, many fans started leaving the stadium.
At stumps on day one, Pakistan reached 313 for 5, with Imam scoring 93, Shan Masood 76, Mohammad Rizwan not out on 62, and Agha Salman not out on 52.
For South Africa, Senuran Muthusamy picked up 2 wickets for 101 runs.
Day two of the Test is currently underway in Lahore.