Pakistani cricket fans at Gaddafi Stadium displayed unusual behaviour during day one of the first Test against South Africa on Sunday, cheering the dismissal of their own captain Shan Masood because it meant fan-favourite Babar Azam would be next at the crease. Masood scored 76 runs in a 161-run second wicket partnership with Imam ul Haq, who made 93. The captain was given out leg before wicket to Prenelan Subrayan in the second session.When Masood opted for a DRS review, the crowd surprisingly cheered as the big screen confirmed the umpire’s original decision, sending him back to the pavilion.The stadium erupted in applause as former captain Babar Azam walked in to bat, though he would only manage 23 runs before falling shortly after tea.“Someone needs to remind the crowd you don’t do this with your captain,” remarked South African commentator Shaun Pollock, expressing his amazement at the crowd’s reaction.Click here to watch the viral video of Pakistan crowd’s reactionThe Pakistan Cricket Board had offered free entry to several enclosures to attract more spectators to the match.Despite the free entry initiative, most of the enclosures remained empty, though there was a sizeable crowd present in the stadium.Pakistan posted 313-5 on day one of the first Test against South Africa in Lahore, led by Imam-ul-Haq’s brilliant 93 and Shan Masood’s 76. After a strong 161-run stand, Pakistan slumped from 163-1 to 199-5 as spinners Senuran Muthusamy and Simon Harmer triggered a collapse. Mohammad Rizwan (62 not out) and Salman Agha (52 not out) then steadied the innings with an unbroken 114-run partnership on a spin-friendly pitch. Haq, returning to Test cricket after 2023, said Pakistan aimed to surpass 400. South Africa’s bowlers fought back but missed key chances, with Harmer expecting more spin on day two of the World Test Championship fixture.
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