Watch VIRAL Video: Babar Azam loses cool at South African pacer for this reason

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In a rare display of frustration, Pakistan's Babar Azam found himself at the centre of controversy during the third session of Day 3 in the Cape Town Test against South Africa. The former Pakistan captain, known for his composed demeanour, lost his cool following an incident with South African pacer Wiaan Mulder.

Opening the innings in place of an injured Saim Ayub, Babar Azam was in sublime form, crafting a resilient knock alongside captain Shan Masood. The duo frustrated the Proteas' bowling attack, stitching a record-breaking 205-run stand while following on. However, tensions flared during the 32nd over when Mulder's wild throw struck Babar on the right leg.

The pacer, believing Babar had strayed out of his crease, was caught on the stump mic declaring, "You were out of the crease." This triggered a verbal exchange, with Babar visibly irritated as he confronted Mulder. Wicketkeeper Kyle Verreyne attempted a cheeky run-out, reminiscent of Alex Carey's controversial dismissal of Jonny Bairstow in the Ashes, but the effort fell short.

The on-field umpire intervened to calm the players, while Masood played peacemaker, urging Babar to refocus. Interestingly, Babar seemed to regain his composure moments later, exchanging a smile with Mulder after driving a delivery to backward point.

Despite the dramatic incident, Babar continued to play with finesse, amassing 81 runs off 124 balls, including 10 boundaries. However, his quest for a century ended in the 47th over when Marco Jansen dismissed him with a well-executed delivery, caught at cover by David Bedingham.

While Babar's dismissal was a setback, his partnership with Masood entered the record books. Their 205-run stand is the highest opening partnership while following on in Test cricket, surpassing Graeme Smith and Neil McKenzie's 204-run effort at Lord's in 2008. It also marked Pakistan's highest opening stand against South Africa and the second-highest for any wicket.

At stumps on Day 3, Pakistan stood at 213/1, with Masood unbeaten on 102. Although the team trails by 208 runs, Babar and Masood's heroics have kept Pakistan's hopes alive.

The fiery exchange between Babar Azam and Wiaan Mulder has since gone viral, drawing reactions from fans and adding another layer of intrigue to an already thrilling Test match.