Babar Azam Silences Critics with Gritty 49* as Pakistan Clings to Hope Against South Africa

When Pakistan cricket finds itself in trouble, there’s usually one name fans desperately whisper: Babar Azam. And on Day 3 of the second Test against South Africa in Rawalpindi, the former captain delivered exactly what his team needed—a masterclass in resilience that kept Pakistan’s hopes alive when everything seemed to be crumbling around him.

Walking to the crease with his side gasping at 16/3, Babar didn’t just stop the bleeding. He put on a clinic of Test match batting that reminded everyone why he’s considered one of the finest talents in modern cricket.

When the Going Gets Tough, Babar Gets Going

Let’s be real here—this wasn’t some flat pitch where runs come easy. The Rawalpindi surface was turning, the South African bowlers were fired up after their tail-wagging heroics, and Pakistan’s top order had folded faster than a cheap lawn chair. Enter Babar, and suddenly, things didn’t look quite so bleak.

His unbeaten 49 wasn’t just about the numbers. It was about intent, grit, and that trademark elegance we’ve come to expect from Pakistan’s modern batting maestro. Those cover drives? Chef’s kiss. The way he navigated spin and pace while wickets tumbled at the other end? Pure class.

This innings came at a crucial juncture. After a quiet first Test and a disappointing first-innings dismissal for just 16, the pressure was building. Critics were sharpening their keyboards, ready to dissect every perceived flaw. But Babar responded the only way he knows how—by letting his bat do the talking.

The Context Makes It Even Sweeter

To truly appreciate what Babar accomplished, you need to understand the chaos that preceded his knock. South Africa’s lower order had just put on one of the most audacious comebacks in recent Test cricket history. Kagiso Rabada blasted a maiden Test fifty with brutal efficiency, while Senuran Muthusamy anchored things with a career-best 89.

Their last two partnerships added a staggering 169 runs, transforming what should have been a Pakistan advantage into a 71-run deficit. The hosts were reeling, and when the top order crumbled in response, it looked like the Test might slip away entirely.

That’s when Babar stepped up. Playing with Mohammad Rizwan for support, he battled through difficult conditions, showing patience when needed and aggression when opportunity knocked. He’s now just one run away from his 30th Test fifty and his first at home since a century against New Zealand back in December 2022.

Social Media Loses Its Mind (In a Good Way)

The cricket Twitterverse absolutely erupted with praise for Babar’s fighting knock. Fans who’d been holding their breath suddenly found reason to believe again. The hashtags flowed, the memes celebrated rather than mocked, and for once, the trolls went quiet.

One user perfectly captured the mood: “Whenever Babar Azam’s on crease, my heart goes Dhak Dhak Dhak.” Another declared, “Till there’s Babar Azam, there’s always hope! When Pakistan needed him most, the King stood tall for his country.”

Even the skeptics had to admit this was special. “Pressure all around. Pakistan 17-3, ball turning miles, played like a lone warrior in the whole innings and saved Pakistan. That’s Babar Azam for you,” wrote one fan, perfectly summarizing the innings’ significance.

The optimism was palpable, with supporters already predicting a century tomorrow. Whether that materializes remains to be seen, but the momentum has shifted, and Babar’s at the center of it all.

Where the Match Stands

As stumps were drawn on Day 3, Pakistan finished at 94/4, holding a precarious 23-run lead. It’s hardly comfortable, but it’s a damn sight better than the alternative. Babar remains at the crease, and alongside him, the last recognized batting pair must shepherd Pakistan toward safety.

The day had started promisingly for the hosts when debutant Asif Afridi became the oldest player to claim a five-wicket haul on Test debut, finishing with impressive figures of 6/79. But South Africa’s tail had other ideas, adding 194 runs for the last three wickets to flip the script entirely.

Now, with two days remaining, this Test is beautifully poised. South Africa holds the advantage on paper, but in cricket, paper means nothing when Babar Azam’s at the crease with determination etched on his face.

The Bigger Picture

This innings represents more than just runs on a board. For Babar, it’s a statement—a reminder that class is permanent, form temporary. After enduring criticism and shouldering immense pressure both as captain and player, performances like these cement his legacy as one of Pakistan cricket’s true greats.

The match situation demands he continues tomorrow. Pakistan needs him to convert this 49 into a substantial score, ideally taking them to a position where they can defend or even push for victory. It won’t be easy against a South African attack that includes the wily Simon Harmer, who already has three wickets in this innings.

But if Day 3 taught us anything, it’s that counting out Babar Azam is a fool’s errand. When his team needed him most, he answered the call. Tomorrow, he’ll need to do it again. And based on what we witnessed in Rawalpindi, that’s exactly what he’ll deliver.