Hilarious scenes unfolded during a DRS review involving Babar Azam in the first T20I between Pakistan and Australia in Lahore. A momentary lapse from TV umpire Nasir Hussain led to an incorrect on-air call, leaving commentators in splits and quickly drawing widespread attention from fans watching the match.
Pakistan defeated Australia by 22 runs in the first T20I at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Thursday, January 29. The Salman Ali Agha-led team took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. While the hosts secured the win, Babar had a disappointing outing with the bat, managing 24 runs from 20 deliveries.
DRS Confusion After Zampa Traps Babar Azam in First T20I
Adam Zampa struck Babar Azam on the pad while he attempted a reverse sweep in the 14th over. With on-field umpire Ahsan Raza unconvinced, Australia sent the decision upstairs.
Ball-tracking showed the delivery had pitched outside off stump, hit in line, and was going on to hit the stumps. However, third umpire Nasir Hussain mistakenly said the ball had pitched outside leg, likely due to confusion caused by Babar’s stance.
The situation became more awkward when officials were reminded that Babar is a right-hander, leading to further checks. By then, Babar had already begun walking off, surprised by the delay and uncertainty during the review.
Just listen to Pakistan 3rd umpire
Australia team be like -Kin gawaro ko umpire bna diya
pic.twitter.com/uS3CqfpBeR— Space Recorder (@1spacerecorder) January 30, 2026
Third Umpire’s Mixed Signals Leave Officials Confused
Third umpire Nasir Hussain was corrected by another official and asked for the ball-tracking to be shown again. Even after reviewing it a second time, he made another mistake by telling the on-field umpire to stick with the original not-out decision.
Moments later, Hussain realized the error and changed his call, but the mixed messages left on-field umpire Ahsan Raza visibly confused. He made multiple signals before finally settling on the correct decision.
The long delay and repeated errors amused the commentators and players alike. A simple LBW call turned into a viral moment, with fans widely sharing the clip and reacting to the chaotic review sequence on social media.
Babar Azam’s T20 Form Under Scanner Ahead of 2026 World Cup
Babar Azam’s T20 form continues to draw attention, with questions growing around his place in Pakistan’s plans for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Fans and former players have discussed his recent struggles in the shortest format.
In the match against Australia, Babar failed with the bat, but he made a strong contribution in the field. He took three sharp catches during the chase, helping Pakistan apply pressure on the visitors.
Pakistan’s bowlers then did the rest, defending the target well and sealing a 22-run win. While the result shifted some focus away, Babar’s batting form remained under scrutiny.
In the Big Bash League 2025-26, he scored 202 runs in 11 matches at an average of 22 and a strike rate of 103, with only two half-centuries. With modern T20 cricket demanding quick scoring, many now wonder if Babar can adjust his approach in time to answer his critics.
Also read: Babar Azam buried by Salman Ali Agha: ‘I’ll bat at No.3 because I can dominate’
