The Boxing Day Test action just continues to give. First, we witnessed Virat Kohli shoulder-barging Sam Konstas, and now, drama has erupted in the 1st Test between Pakistan and South Africa. The opening day in Centurion had its fair share of heated exchanges, with Kamran Ghulam and Kagiso Rabada stealing the limelight in an intense battle that set tongues wagging and social media buzzing.
Watch: Kamran Ghulam abuses Kagiso Rabada, Kyle Verreynne
Kamran Ghulam has made a name for himself ever since he stepped in as a replacement for Babar Azam. The Pakistani batter, known for his fiery personality, found himself embroiled in an on-field confrontation with South Africa’s pace spearhead, Kagiso Rabada. After surviving a torrid spell from Rabada, Ghulam reportedly let loose with some choice words, allegedly saying “F**k you” to both Rabada and wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne.
Kamran Ghulam said "F**K YOU" to Rabada and Verreynne.
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Funny how all this aggression is coming from a team ranked No. 7, struggling on the points table, while South Africa is cruising at No. 3, soon to be No. 2 and eyeing the WTC final. Be in your limit Pakistan.#SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/KVcnaAdSgA(@MarkramBot) December 26, 2024
The tension escalated when Ghulam pulled out of his stance due to spectators walking past the sight-screen, drawing boos from the crowd. Once play resumed, Rabada’s fiery pace left Ghulam floundering, with a near-edge and a dropped catch adding to the drama. Yet Ghulam stood firm, reaching his fifty and celebrating with a cheeky flex of his biceps, much to the crowd’s delight.
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Rabada sends Kamran Ghulam back
Despite Ghulam’s show, his innings ended in dramatic fashion. Dane Paterson outwitted him with a short delivery, forcing a wild top-edge that landed safely in Rabada’s hands. The South African pacer, ever composed, completed the catch, bringing Ghulam’s entertaining knock of 54 to a close.
