'These things happen in cricket' - Babar Azam downplays heated argument with Wiaan Mulder

The second Test between South Africa and Pakistan has been a high-scoring affair, with both teams giving a great fight at the Newlands.

South Africa put up a massive 615 in the first innings, riding on the back of Ryan Rickleton's marathon knock of 259 off 343 and centuries from skipper Temba Bavuma (106 off 179) and Kyle Verreynne (100 off 147) before the bowlers bundled out Pakistan for 194. However, the tourists fought back in the second innings after being asked to follow on, amassing 478 runs to avoid an innings defeat and stay in the game.

There were also some dramatic moments, and one of those included Pakistan star batter Babar Azam and South Africa all-rounder Wiaan Mulder as the duo got into a heated battle after the latter threw the ball  aggressively at Babar. The situation was made worse when wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne attempted a cheeky run out as well. In the end, Aiden Markram and the umpires intervened and calmed the situation.

Notably, Babar played a fighting knock of 81 off 124 in the second innings, his second half-century in the game after getting 58 off 127 in the first innings. Asked about what transpired in the middle with Mulder, Babar played it down, stating that it was just something that occurred in the heat of the moment and was nothing but a usual part of the game.

Also Read: WATCH: Babar Azam, Wiaan Mulder engage in heated tussle during Day 3 of SA vs PAK second Test

“It was just the heat of the moment. These things happen in cricket, and we move on. It’s all part of the game,” Babar said during the post-match press conference.

Speaking of what is happening in the match, the Pakistan's fightback after a surrender in the first innings means they have set a small target of 58 runs for the hosts. Skipper Shan Masood was the star of the show in the second innings as he scored a brilliant 145 off 251 while wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan and all-rounder Salman Agha chipped in with forties.