WATCH: Kamran Ghulam sparks outrage with verbal attack on Kagiso Rabada, Kyle Verreynne on Day 1 of SA vs PAK Test

Day 1 of the first test between south africa i Pakistan in Centurion was marked by heated exchanges and controversies on the field. The highlight of the drama involved a Pakistani batsman Kamran Ghulam and South African pacer Kagiso Rabadaalong with the goalkeeper Kyle Verreynne. The incident, which quickly went viral, showed the intensity of the competition and the emotions between the players.

Kamran Ghulam causes stir: Heated exchange with Kagiso Rabada and Kyle Verreynne

The flashpoint came during the 31st over of Pakistan’s innings. Rabada, charging to bowl the second ball of the over, was forced to stop midway when Kamran Ghulam he backed out at the last minute, citing a distraction with the visual display. A visibly agitated Rabada expressed his displeasure in no uncertain terms. In response, Ghulam lashed out with an expletive, directing his frustration at both Rabada and Verreynne.

The stump microphones clearly picked up Ghulam saying: “Shit” growing tension in the field. Two overs later, the situation deteriorated further as Ghulam engaged in another verbal spat with Verreynne, once again resorting to abusive language. The field umpires quickly intervened, cautioning Ghulam and trying to restore calm. The referee of the match, Richie Richardsonis expected to review the incident, and Ghulam could face sanctions for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct. This exchange of fire set the tone for a competitive day’s cricket, with thrills on both sides.

Here is the video:

Kamran Ghulam said “F**K YOU” to Rabada and Verreynne.

It’s funny how all this aggression is coming from a team sitting at number 7, struggling in the points table, while South Africa are heading to number 3, soon to be number 2 and looking at the final of the WTC. Be at your limit Pakistan.#SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/KVcnaAdSgA

— H🇿🇦 (@MarkramBot) December 26, 2024

Also WATCH: Dane Paterson sends Babar Azam into squad on Day 1 of first SA vs PAK Test

Ghulam: A Lone Warrior for Pakistan

Despite his hot moments, Ghulam was Pakistan’s most outstanding batsman. Coming in under pressure, Ghulam played an aggressive knock of 54 off 71 balls, with eight crisp boundaries and a towering six. His innings briefly leveled Pakistan’s faltering line-up, but his dismissal spelled the beginning of the end for the visitors.

Ghulam’s departure was self-inflicted as he charged down the track to a subsequent delivery from Dan Patersonreaching Rabada at fine leg. It was a frustrating end to an otherwise promising innings as Ghulam looked to be the only batsman capable of handling South Africa’s disciplined bowling attack.

Pakistan’s batting collapse and South Africa’s bowling dominance

Pakistan’s batting struggles continued, with no other player managing to cross the 40-run mark. Former skipper Babar Azamreturning to the Test fold, he managed just four runs before going one to second. Abdullah Shafiq (23 of 42) i Saud Shakeel (30 of 45) offered a brief resistance, but could not capitalize on their starts. The team’s inability to build partnerships saw them slump to 211 in just 57.3 overs.

The day belonged to the South African bowlers, who displayed exceptional skill and discipline. Paterson was the standout performer, shredding Pakistan’s batting line-up with figures of 5/61. Debutant Corbin Bosch he made an instant impact, claiming 4/61 with his raw pace and aggression. In response South Africa finished the first day with 82/3.

READ also: Twitter Reactions: South Africa rule on Day 1 in Centurion as Dane Paterson, Corbin Bosch ravage Pakistan’s batting