Shaheen Afridi's unsportsmanlike behavior towards South Africa's Breetzke likened to Virat Kohli: 'Immature and reckless'

The turning point came in the 28th over of the South African innings as Breetzke calmly defended a delivery from Shaheen Afridi, only to unleash his frustration with a swing of his bat towards the on side. At 168/1, South Africa seemed to be cruising with Breetzke and Bavuma in full control. The unbroken partnership was causing frustration for the Pakistan fielders, evident in Afridi's aggressive reaction towards Breetzke. The experienced fast bowler charged towards him, exchanging words before eventually returning to his mark. But little did anyone know, the real drama was just about to unfold.

Breetzke tucked Afridi's next ball towards square leg and set off for a run only to find Afridi blocking his way in what appeared to be a deliberate attempt. There was a mild contact, and Shaheen charged directly into Breetzke's face; the players and umpire Asif Yaqoob came forward to settle things down. A few words were spoken again.

Former New Zealand fast bowler Danny Morrison, who was the commentator when the incident happened, found similarities with Virat Kohli's shoulder jab to Australia debutant Sam Konstas during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Melbourne last year. Kohli was let off with a fine and a demerit point for his action, which was widely criticised by fans and experts alike.

"Watch this, the batter does try to get out of the way but the bowler didn't. It's really dumb. That's naughty, given what we saw in Australia recently during a certain Test series. Breetzke was definitely trying to get out of the way. He even turned his back on Shaheen Shah Afridi," he said.

Breetzke followed his highest-ever debut score against New Zealand in Lahore on Monday with an attractive 84-ball 83, spiced with a six and 10 boundaries, after South Africa won the toss.

Breetzke bettered West Indian Desmond Haynes's aggregate of 195 runs in his first two matches in 1978 before he fell to a brilliant catch off spinner Khushdil.

"I was frustrated at my shot and Shaheen thought I said something to him but nothing serious. We are good friends," said Breetzke.

The tussles did not end there. Temba Bavuma got an ugly send-off from the Pakistan fielders, especially Kamran Ghulam, who nearly got in the batter's face after he was run out.

During Pakistan's chase, Wiaan Mulder gave an animated send-off after dismissing Pakistan superstar Babar Azam.

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