Pakistan’s former captain Babar Azam endured a nightmare return to T20 international cricket as he was dismissed for a two-ball duck in the first T20I against South Africa at Rawalpindi on October 28, 2025. The match, which saw Pakistan suffer a crushing 55-run defeat, quickly turned into a social media spectacle with fans and critics trolling Babar’s performance using the sarcastic phrase “Kya Comeback Hai.”
The phrase, which trended across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube, was used to mock Babar’s highly anticipated return to the national squad after being left out of the Asia Cup 2025. His dismissal, courtesy of South African pacer Corbin Bosch, added fuel to the fire as Pakistan collapsed to 139 all out chasing South Africa’s 194/9.
🏏 Match Summary: PAK vs SA 1st T20I
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | October 28, 2025 |
| Venue | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| Toss | Pakistan opted to bowl first |
| South Africa Innings | 194/9 (20 overs) |
| Pakistan Innings | 139 all out (18.1 overs) |
| Result | South Africa won by 55 runs |
| Player of the Match | George Linde (36 runs, 3/31 bowling) |
South Africa’s second-string squad outclassed Pakistan in all departments, with Reeza Hendricks scoring 60 off 40 balls and Bosch taking a career-best 4/14.
📉 Babar Azam’s Performance Breakdown
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Balls Faced | 2 |
| Runs Scored | 0 |
| Mode of Dismissal | Caught behind off Corbin Bosch |
| Batting Position | No. 3 |
| Last T20I Appearance | December 2024 |
Babar’s early exit left Pakistan reeling at 12/2, setting the tone for a disappointing chase.
🧠 Social Media Reaction: ‘Kya Comeback Hai’ Trend
| Platform | Trending Hashtags and Sentiment |
|---|---|
| X (Twitter) | #KyaComebackHai, #BabarAzamDuck, #PAKvsSA |
| Memes mocking Babar’s return | |
| YouTube | Reaction videos and match analysis |
| Debates on Babar’s form and team selection |
Fans expressed frustration and sarcasm, with many questioning the decision to reinstate Babar in the playing XI.
🗣️ Expert Commentary and Fan Reactions
| Source | Summary of Views |
|---|---|
| Former Cricketers | Mixed reactions; some called for patience |
| Analysts | Criticized lack of match practice |
| Fans | Divided between support and trolling |
| Journalists | Highlighted pressure on Babar’s comeback |
While some urged restraint, others pointed to Babar’s declining form in recent months.
📊 Pakistan Batting Collapse: Key Contributors
| Player | Runs Scored | Balls Faced | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saim Ayub | 37 | 25 | 148.00 |
| Mohammad Nawaz | 36 | 22 | 163.63 |
| Azam Khan | 12 | 15 | 80.00 |
| Babar Azam | 0 | 2 | 0.00 |
Only Ayub and Nawaz showed resistance, while the rest of the lineup faltered under pressure.
🏆 South Africa’s Standout Performers
| Player | Performance |
|---|---|
| Reeza Hendricks | 60 (40 balls), 5 fours, 1 six |
| George Linde | 36 (22 balls), 3/31 bowling |
| Corbin Bosch | 4/14 in 4 overs |
| Tony de Zorzi | 33 (16 balls) |
South Africa’s balanced attack and aggressive batting proved too much for Pakistan’s underwhelming response.
📌 Conclusion
Babar Azam’s return to T20I cricket was marred by a golden duck and a wave of online trolling, with “Kya Comeback Hai” becoming the defining phrase of the match. As Pakistan looks to bounce back in the remaining games of the series, Babar will need to silence critics with performances that match his reputation. The team’s overall collapse and South Africa’s dominance have raised serious questions about Pakistan’s preparation and selection strategy.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available match reports and social media trends. It does not constitute personal opinion or endorsement. All views expressed are for informational purposes only.
