An unusual incident happened during the 2nd Test match of Pakistan vs South Africa (PAK vs. SA 2nd Test). Mohammad Rizwan, at the batter's end, did an unpredictable act, which forced the fielding side to ask for an out. 

The two-match Test series ended with a 1-1 scoreline. Pakistan won the first match of the competition; in the second game, it was South Africa who turned the table. In the second innings of the match, the touring team bowled out Pakistan for only 138 runs and shifted the momentum of the match completely. In both innings of the match, South Africa outplayed Pakistan, though their batting order collapsed at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. 

As it was expected, the pitch was spin-friendly. Pakistan went to bat first in the first innings and scored 333 runs in exchange for all ten wickets. In reply, South Africa registered 404 runs in their first innings. Then, in the second innings, 36-year-old spinner Simon Harmer trapped Pakistani batters with his spin bowling. In the series, cricket fans saw multiple veteran spin bowlers do some splendid blowing for their respective sides. Harmer took 6 wickets in his 20-over spell to restrict the home team to only 138 runs. South Africa needed only 68 runs to win the match, and they did it. 

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Mohammad Rizwan out or not out?

Out or Not Out 🤔

- Mohammad Rizwan 🇵🇰 did something unbelievable 🙄pic.twitter.com/HOAcXg1xqz

— Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) October 24, 2025

During the second innings, when Pakistan was batting, Rizwan did something unexpected. After playing a delivery on his front leg, the experienced batter turned and hit the stumps with his bat. South African fielders asked for an out to the umpire, but the umpire remained still. A video of the incident is now on the internet. 

Cricket fans are curious to know why the umpires did not welcome the decision with an out decision. Actually, it was the last ball of an innings break. Rizwan gently pushed the ball for a dot and showed no intention to run for a single. The momentum of the ball was their about to end after it came out of the bat. So, the umpire was not intimidated by the application by the fielders. 

On the last ball of the third day of the second Test between Pakistan and South Africa at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Mohammad Rizwan could have been given hit-wicket out after he drove the pitched-up delivery into the hands of the cover fielder and took the bails off with his bat as the Protea wicket-keeper, Kyle Verrynne, threw his hands up in appeal immediately. 

The umpire hadn’t yet called stumps, and the fielder, who had collected the ball, hadn’t thrown it back to the wicket-keeper. Thus, the ball was not yet dead. Umpire Sharfuddoula waved off the appeals with a smile as he got backing from the square-leg umpire, Chris Brown.

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Batters do, occasionally, take the bails off, generally with their hands rather than bats, though it’s almost done after the ball is called dead and the umpires made stumps for the day. None of those criteria were met, leading the tourists to believe that it might be legitimate to give the batter out.

Explained: Was Mohammed Rizwan out on hit-wicket during PAK vs SA 2nd Test

Law 35.1 suggests that a batter can only be given out hit-wicket after the bowler has entered their delivery stride.

• In the course of any action taken by them in preparing to receive or in receiving a delivery.
• In setting off for the first run immediately after playing or playing with the ball.
• If no attempt is made to play the ball, in setting off for the first run.
• In lawfully making a second or further stroke for the purpose of guarding their wicket.

None of those points were met by the wicket-keeper’s actions, and it remains unclear how committed the Rainbow Nation was to appeal. They let the incident go a few minutes later, as Senuran Muthusamy claimed that he wasn’t aware of the incident due to fielding away from the middle.

South Africa looked a huge lead of over 50 runs thanks to their batting contribution from the number nine, 10, and 11 as Kagiso Rabada smashed a fine half-century with the bat while Muthusamy remained unbeaten on 89 runs to shoulder them over the 400-run mark. 

Mohammad Rizwan, the wicket-keeper batter of the Pakistan side, could have been dismissed through a hit-wicket dismissal on the last ball of the third day during the second Test against South Africa at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. He made a massive mistake, which the umpires could have sent upstairs and ruled him out. 

On the last ball of the day, against the left-arm spinner of the Protea side, Keshav Maharaj, the Pakistan wicket-keeper drove the ball to the extra-cover region and dislodged the bails with the bat and started to walk towards the home dressing room, thinking that the umpire Sharfuddoula had called it ‘over’ before the moment took place.

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But the wicket-keeper of South Africa, Kyle Verreynne, wasn’t satisfied with the act and appealed to the umpire. He had an intense chat with both umpires, even though Sharfuddoula seemed not to be interested in the entire scenario. Pakistan had already been struggling with four wickets down for the second innings’ lead of 23 runs.

Watch: Mohammad Rizwan gets saved from controversial hit-wicket dismissal in PAK vs SA Lahore Test

In the first innings, the home side ended with 333 runs in 113.4 overs. Both Abduallah Shafique and their captain, Shan Masood, celebrated their respective half-centuries in the first innings along with Saud Shakeel, who cracked 66 runs. Salman Agha also notched up a fine knock of 45 runs in 76 balls with the help of five boundaries.

Rizwan clearly was hit wicket because ball was still in play. This actor should resist. I don't know why South Africans didn't appeal extravagantly. Umpires should at least have a look upstairs. pic.twitter.com/lhFgb1K7ys

— Mustafa (@mustafamasood0) October 22, 2025

In reply, the South African side got reduced to 235/8 in their first innings with the bat. But then came two fifty-run stands for the ninth and last wickets. Senuran Muthusamy recorded an unbeaten 89 runs in 155 balls at a strike rate of around 60 with eight boundaries, while Kagiso Rabada clubbed 71 runs at number eleven to get themselves over the 400-run mark.

In reply, Pakistan lost their three wickets quite early in the third innings of the clash. But later, Babar Azam took care of the last hour of the day. He remained unbeaten on 49 runs in 83 balls, scoring seven boundaries at a strike rate of 59.04.

On Monday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officially named Shaheen Shah Afridi as the new captain of the Pakistan men’s ODI team, succeeding Mohammad Rizwan. The announcement marks a major leadership change ahead of the upcoming international season.

According to reports from TimesofIndia.com, Rizwan’s removal was not purely performance-related but stemmed from internal disagreements with the board. The wicketkeeper-batter reportedly declined to participate in promotional activities involving betting companies, which created tension with PCB officials.

Rizwan, known for his strong values and principles, has often taken a stand on moral and ethical grounds. His refusal to endorse betting brands is said to have played a decisive role in the leadership shift. With Afridi taking over, PCB is aiming for a fresh direction, while Rizwan’s decision continues to draw mixed reactions from fans and cricketing circles.

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Reason of Rizwan’s Captaincy Snub:

A PCB insider revealed to TimesofIndia.com,” Rizwan had informed the PCB that he wouldn’t endorse betting companies, which is the main reason behind his sacking. He was against the PCB’s collaboration with surrogate betting firms.”

Earlier in the year, during his stint with St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Rizwan declined to endorse a betting company. He opted to play without the primary sponsor’s logo, which represented a gambling brand, choosing to stay true to his personal beliefs.

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif suggested that another possible reason behind Mohammad Rizwan’s removal as ODI captain could be his outspoken stance on the Palestine issue. Latif hinted that Rizwan’s strong public comments may have influenced the Pakistan Cricket Board’s final decision.

On his YouTube channel Rashid Latif said, “ If he has spoken about Palestine, will you remove him from captaincy? This mindset that there would be non-Islamic captains in an Islamic country is abysmal.”

Shaheen Shah Afridi has been named Pakistan’s ODI captain for the upcoming three-match series against South Africa, set to be held at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad from November 4 to 8.

His appointment was confirmed after a key meeting in Islamabad that included white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, Director of High Performance Aqib Javed, and several members of the selection committee. The decision reflects the board’s confidence in Shaheen’s leadership abilities as Pakistan looks to build momentum ahead of future international commitments.

Pakistan’s Leadership Puzzle Continues to Shift:

Since 2023, Pakistan cricket has seen constant captaincy reshuffles, with several players taking charge across formats under varying PCB regimes. The sequence began on March 13, 2023, when Shadab Khan was named skipper for the T20I series against Afghanistan in Sharjah during Najam Sethi’s tenure.

On November 15, 2023, Pakistan cricket underwent a major leadership change as Babar Azam resigned from captaincy across all formats. Under Zaka Ashraf’s administration, Shaheen Shah Afridi was appointed T20I captain, while Shan Masood was entrusted with leading the Test side, marking a new phase in Pakistan’s leadership transition.

On March 29, 2024, Pakistan’s captaincy saga continued as Shaheen Afridi was removed from his white-ball leadership role by PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Two days later, Babar Azam was reinstated as T20I captain to guide the team in the 2024 T20 World Cup.

However, Babar’s comeback didn’t last long. On October 1, 2024, he stepped down once again from white-ball captaincy. Soon after, Mohammad Rizwan took over the role on October 27, 2024, under the same administration. This frequent change of leadership highlighted the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Pakistan cricket’s direction and stability.

The captaincy shuffle carried on into 2025, with Salman Ali Agha taking over as T20I captain on March 4, marking yet another leadership shift. Later, on October 20, 2025, Shaheen Shah Afridi reclaimed a leadership role, this time being appointed Pakistan’s ODI captain once again under Mohsin Naqvi’s administration.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has sacked Mohammad Rizwan as their ODI captain, with the left-arm veteran pacer, Shaheen Shah Afridi, getting the responsibility. The decision was announced by the board shortly after the end of the opening day of the second Rawalpindi Test against South Afridi where both these two individuals were performing.

No reason has been handed in the statement for replacing Rizwan for Pakistan. The wicket-keeper batter hasn’t even be mentioned in the statement. The board decided after the meeting in Islamabad between the selection committee and the white-ball head coach, Mike Hesson.

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Rizwan’s removal was all but inevitable when the board put the statement over the weekend declining to confirm Rizwan as the ODI captain ahead of the white-ball leg of the Protea series. It however revealed that Hesson had asked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, to arrange the meeting with the selection and advisory committee to appoint the new leader of the side.

Shaheen Shah Afridi named as Pakistan’s ODI captain ahead of South Africa series

Afridi’s last foray as the white-ball captain wasn’t a happy experience as he was asked to lead the T20I side for the series against New Zealand in January last year. They ended up losing it by 4-1 margin before he was replaced in similar circumstances to Rizwan’s sacking at the moment with the chairman pointedly refusing the statement of confirming that he would continue in the role.

Pakistan will now have three different captains across the formats with Shan Masood shouldering the responsibility of the longest format and Salman Ali Agha taking over the T20I leadership. Since becoming the ODI captain last year, Rizwan is four runs short of the highest scorer for the national side with an average of just under 42. He led them to series win in Australia and South Africa in 2024.

Afridi pulls on the good form in the format as he was their leading wicket-taker last year in ODI cricket. He was central to their away wins in the Rainbow and Australia. Since the start of the 2023 World Cup, no fast bowler from a Fill Member nation has more wickets than his 45, which have come at more than two wickets a game.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has reportedly called a joint meeting of the national selection committee and advisory board on Monday in Lahore. In a statement, the PCB confirmed that Mike Hesson, the head coach of Pakistan’s white-ball teams, had written to Naqvi asking for the meeting to discuss ODI team matters and captaincy.

According to PTI, the meeting suggests that Hesson might push for a change in captaincy as part of his plans. However, it remains to be seen whether his suggestions will be accepted by the PCB officials in Lahore.

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No Decision Yet on ODI Captaincy

“No decision has been taken on the ODI captaincy. The chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, has asked the selectors and advisors to meet on Monday to discuss the matter,” the statement said.

There are rumours that Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, or Salman Ali Agha — who led Pakistan in the 2025 Asia Cup final — could replace Mohammad Rizwan as ODI captain.

🚨 CANDIDATES FOR ODI CAPTAINCY 🚨

- Babar, Shaheen & Agha are in contention for the ODI captaincy.

- Rizwan is also unlikely to be part of the ODI squad if he’s removed from captaincy. (Sohail Imran) pic.twitter.com/kTKN6r59PU

— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) October 18, 2025

PCB Officials to Discuss Captaincy Options

The selectors’ panel includes Aaqib Javed, Asad Shafiq, Aleem Dar, and Azhar Ali, while the advisors are former Test players Sarfaraz Ahmed and Sikander Bakht. Sarfaraz and Sikander directly report to Naqvi and advise him on all cricket matters.

Rizwan, who has been out of Pakistan’s T20 setup since December 2024 along with Babar Azam, led Pakistan to ODI series wins in Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. However, the team’s form dipped during the home tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy.

The struggles continued, as Pakistan lost back-to-back ODI series in New Zealand and the West Indies. Pakistan will now host South Africa for a three-match ODI series on November 4, 6, and 8 as part of their ongoing tour.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that it has not yet chosen a captain for the national men’s team ahead of the upcoming home ODI series against South Africa. White-ball head coach Mike Hesson has requested a joint meeting between the Selection Committee and the Advisory Committee to make a final decision on who will lead the side in the three-match series.

According to the PCB, Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has forwarded Hesson’s letter to the two committees, who will meet on October 20 to decide the matter. Sources close to the board said that the talks about a potential leadership change are linked to Pakistan’s preparations for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, a suggestion believed to have come from Hesson himself.

The committees have reportedly been in discussions with a potential candidate who has asked for a guaranteed captaincy term until the 2027 World Cup and full freedom in team decisions.

ODI Captaincy: Rizwan under pressure

The PCB’s statement notably made no mention of Mohammad Rizwan, who was appointed Pakistan’s ODI captain last year. His status now appears uncertain, with the board indicating that the leadership role is still open.

Rizwan has led Pakistan to ODI series victories in Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, but 2025 has been a difficult year for the side, including a loss in the home tri-series final to New Zealand, an early Champions Trophy exit, and a series defeat in the West Indies.

Despite this, Rizwan’s personal form has remained strong. He is Pakistan’s second-highest ODI run-scorer in 2025, with 361 runs at an average above 36, and also made a valuable 75-run contribution in the ongoing Test series against South Africa.

However, insiders suggest that Shaheen Shah Afridi, Babar Azam, and Salman Ali Agha are in contention to replace Rizwan, with Afridi reportedly the frontrunner.

Shaheen’s redemption arc

Afridi’s name in the captaincy discussion is significant, considering his previous experience as T20I captain, a position he lost soon after Mohsin Naqvi became PCB Chairman. Naqvi had declined to confirm Afridi’s future as captain at the time, insisting that the board wanted a “long-term solution.”

Within a week, Afridi was replaced by Babar Azam, a move that sparked controversy after the PCB issued a statement under Afridi’s name which he claimed he never approved. The matter has since cooled, and sources suggest that Afridi’s relationship with the PCB has significantly improved under Hesson’s tenure.

Although Hesson does not hold the power to appoint the captain, the fact that Naqvi agreed to put the matter before both committees suggests that Hesson’s influence within the PCB setup has grown considerably.

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South Africa’s tour of Pakistan – Full Schedule

South Africa Squads

T20I Squad
David Miller (C), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Andile Simelane, Lizaad Williams.

ODI Squad
Matthew Breetzke (C), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile.

Test Squad
Aiden Markram (C), David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton (WK), Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle Verreynne (WK).

Pakistan Squads

Test Squad
Shan Masood (C), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Asif Afrid, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir (WK), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi.

T20I Squad: TBA
ODI Squad: TBA

Decision expected soon

The PCB has confirmed that the joint committee meeting to decide on the ODI captain will take place on October 20, with a final decision likely to follow immediately after.

For now, Rizwan remains Pakistan’s ODI captain in name, but with Hesson pushing for long-term leadership stability and Afridi’s growing influence, a change appears increasingly inevitable.

During the first Test match featuring Pakistan and South Africa at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, a moment of pure magic was created by Babar Azam. It came in the 51st over of South Africa’s first innings and was bowled by Salman Ali Agha. With the South African batter Ryan Rickelton attempting to flick the ball but getting a thick leading edge that was turning away from him, Babar pulled off a brilliant one-handed low catch at slip. It looked like the catch would get past him it dipped so quickly, but Babar’s reactions were astounding as he dived to his right to catch the ball only just above the surface.

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The on-field umpires sent the catch to the third umpire for a review, and after numerous replays, the third umpire confirmed the catch was all good. The crowd erupted in cheers as Babar celebrated a moment that brought excitement to a tough contest and changed the momentum of the Test match. Babar showed his class in the field with his extraordinary anticipation and great reflexes with perfect catching technique. The catch not only dismissed a well-set batter but at the same time re-energized the Pakistan players, underlining once again why Babar Azam is a match winner in every sense of the term.

Watch brilliant catch by Babar Azam;

Babar Azam at his very best in the first slip 🙌🏻

YOU JUST CANNOT KEEP THIS MAN OUT OF THE GAME 👑 #BabarAzam | #BabarAzam𓃵 pic.twitter.com/KCpwZGX6Gb

— Team Babar Azam (@Team_BabarAzam) October 13, 2025

South Africa at 216/6 at the end of Day 2

Pakistan, after winning the toss, elected to bat first, and in their first innings, they established a strong score of 378 runs from 110.4 overs. Imam-ul-Haq led the way with an impressive 93 runs off 153 balls, while Shan Masood contrived to add valuable runs with a solid 76. Mohammad Rizwan provided a significant contribution with a valuable 75 runs, and Salman Ali Agha played a good innings of 93, pushing Pakistan to a strong total. Although a couple of quick wickets in the middle affected the momentum, the compact batting from the top and middle order should ensure that a firm platform was established to really put early pressure on South Africa.

In reply, South Africa's bowlers toiled away on a slightly flat surface that did not offer much assistance. Senuran Muthusamy took centre stage with a dazzling six-wicket haul for 117 runs, while Prenelan Subrayen picked up two crucial scalps. Kagiso Rabada and Simon Harmer claimed one wicket each, but could not stop the Hemispherical Realm team from surpassing the 350-run mark. Pakistan's solid batting put them in a strong position and established the tone for the remainder of the match at Gaddafi Stadium.

In reply, South Africa closed on 216 for 6 in 67 overs. Tony de Zorzi held the innings together with a patient 81 not out while Ryan Rickelton contributed a good 71 before he was brilliantly caught at slip by Babar Azam using just one hand. Aiden Markram added 37 but South Africa kept losing wickets. Noman Ali led the attack brilliantly for the home side with 4 wickets while Salman Ali Agha and Sajid Khan claimed one each.

Indian batter Abhishek Sharma continued his sensational form during the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash against Sri Lanka on Friday. By scoring yet another half-century, Abhishek became the first player in history to score over 300 runs in a single edition of the T20 Asia Cup, surpassing Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan, who had 281 runs in 2022.

Virat Kohli and Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran are tied for third on the list with 196 runs. This match also marked Abhishek’s seventh consecutive score of 30 or more in T20Is, equaling the joint record held by Rizwan and India’s Rohit Sharma. The half-century was more special as it's sixth fifty scored in 25 balls, highlighting his explosive batting in the T20 format.

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Pakistan will start their Asia Cup 2025 campaign against Oman on Friday, but all eyes are already on Sunday’s big clash against India in Dubai. Head coach Mike Hesson has raised expectations, saying Pakistan’s spin attack, led by Mohammad Nawaz, could be the key to their success.

The team comes into the tournament on the back of a T20 Tri-Series win, where they beat Afghanistan by 75 runs in the final, thanks to Nawaz’s brilliant hat-trick. With the UAE pitches expected to be slow, spin bowling is set to play a big role in Pakistan’s game plan. At Thursday’s press conference, Hesson praised the strength of Pakistan’s bowling and singled out Nawaz.

“When you’ve got wrist spinners like him, the pitch doesn’t matter as much. The good thing about our team is we have five spinners. Mohammad Nawaz is currently the best spin bowler in the world, and he has been ranked that way for the past six months since coming back into the side,” Hesson said.

#AsiaCup2025 #INDvsPAK 🏏

'Surface doesn’t really matter'

Pakistan 🇵🇰 coach has raised the stakes ahead of the encounter against India 🇮🇳@pratyush93_raj ✍️https://t.co/oOTVOPUU87

— TOI Sports (@toisports) September 11, 2025

He also mentioned the depth of their spin options, including Salman Ali Agha. “Salman Ali has hardly bowled, but he’s also our Test spinner. So we have plenty of spin options if the conditions suit. And if not, we have five seamers who can bowl fast, slow, or use reverse swing depending on the pitch.”

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Hesson also talked about Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan’s strike rates in T20Is. “It’s important to be honest when assessing players. I’m not pointing out weaknesses. I’m just saying the modern game needs a higher strike rate in the powerplay compared to before, especially in good batting conditions.” Pakistan will use the match against Oman to fine-tune their plans, but Hesson’s strong backing of Nawaz and the spin attack has already set the tone for Sunday’s big India clash.