Babar Azam's dismissal sparks laughter in commentary panel [Source: @Tejashyyyyy/x]Pakistan secured a comprehensive 22-run win over Australia in the first T20I of their three-match series. Senior man Babar Azam, however, failed to come up clutch with the bat after undergoing a below par BBL 2025-26 season in Australia earlier this month. The cricketer faced 20 deliveries in his innings to score just 24 before getting trapped plumb in front of stumps by Australian spinner Adam Zampa. Babar Azam’s dismissal, however, turned out to be an eventful one largely owing to repeated fumbles on part of third umpire Nasir Hussain. Australia players, commentators laugh as Pakistan umpire goofs up in TV replay In the 14th over of the Pakistan innings, Babar Azam attempted a reverse sweep off Australia spinner Adam Zampa. However, Babar completely missed the trajectory of the ball and got trapped on the pads. Australian players appealed for a possible LBW, only to have it rejected by umpire Ahsan Raza. Adam Zampa and Australia’s interim skipper Travis Head subsequently took the decision upstairs for a DRS review. During the review, third umpire Nasir Hussain mistakenly said “pitching outside leg” before the ball hit Babar Azam's pads. Hussain got instantly corrected by a nearby voice, possibly fourth umpire, who said “No outside leg. Batter is a right-hander”, clearly indicating that the third umpire got confused with Babar’s batting stance owing to his attempted reverse-sweep. Realizing and correcting his mistake, Nasir Hussain fumbled once again a couple of seconds later when he urged the on-field umpire to “stay with his decision”, thus seemingly forgetting that umpire Ahsan had adjudged Babar Azam “not out”. The third umpire quickly grasped the moment by asking Ahsan to “change his original decision” instead. Nonetheless, Nasir Hussain’s repeated fumbles behind the television screen left on-air commentators in splits. Umpire Ahsan Raza also had a brief laugh as Australian players celebrated the wicket of the Pakistani batter.Pakistan vs Australia 1st T20I: As it happenedPakistan batted first and charted 168-8 in 20 overs. Opener Saim Ayub top-scored in the innings with his attacking 22-ball 40. Captain Agha Salman also chipped in with a swift 39 off 27 balls after demoting Babar Azam in the batting order. Adam Zampa unfurled the spell of the innings among Australian bowlers by claiming sensational figures of 4-24. Ayub later derailed the Australian run-chase by picking up two important wickets, including that of visiting captain Travis Head inside the powerplay. Abrar Ahmed also picked up two as Pakistan took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series after restricting Australia to 146-8 in 20 overs. Pakistan and Australia warm-up before the 2026 T20 World Cup The ongoing series between Pakistan and Australia marks a final testing ground for both sides before the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next month. Trailing 0-1 in the series, Australia will now face Pakistan in a must-win second T20I match on January 31 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The action is slated to commence from 4:30 PM IST onwards.
