The opening T20 International between Pakistan and Australia at the Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday, 29 January, produced one of the most unusual technical blunders in recent cricket history. During a critical Decision Review System (DRS) sequence involving star batter Babar Azam, third umpire Nasir Hussain appeared to lose track of the player’s orientation. The official was heard describing the right-handed Babar as a left-handed batsman, a gaffe that left commentators and fans in hysterics and briefly stalled the match. Babar Azam Wicket Video: Watch Adam Zampa Trap Pakistan Batter LBW in PAK vs AUS 1st T20I 2026.

Pitching Outside Leg: The "Left-Handed" Confusion

The incident occurred in the 14th over of Pakistan's innings while Babar was facing Australian spinner Adam Zampa. Attempting to combat the leg-spin, Babar moved across his stumps to execute a reverse sweep but missed the ball, which struck his pads. After a loud appeal was turned down by on-field umpire Ahsan Raza, Australian stand-in captain Travis Head opted for a review.

As the third umpire began his standard protocol, the audio feed captured him saying, "Pitching outside leg," assuming that it is not-out as he confused Babar Azam with a left-handed batsman. He was immediately corrected by another official, who was heard saying, "no outside leg, he is a right-hander."

The error seemingly stemmed from the fact that Babar was in the middle of a reverse-sweep motion when the ball hit his pad, briefly mimicking the profile of a left-hander. The commentary box, featuring both local and international voices, erupted into laughter as the blunder became apparent. Pakistan vs Australia Highlights of 1st T20I 2026.

Further Confusion

Once the third umpire was corrected by the technical director, the ball-tracking process resumed again, which showed the ball was hitting the stumps. Instead of directing the on-field umpire to give Babar "out", the third umpire made another blunder by instructing him to “stay with his original decision", which was not out. It further confused the on-field umpire who made varying signals before the third umpire rectified himself once again and Babar was eventually given marching orders.

PAK vs AUS Broadcast Gaffe: Third Umpire's DRS Blunder Video

 

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Pakistan eventually secured a clinical 22-run victory over Australia to end a seven-year drought against the visitors in the format. Batting first, the "Green Shirts" posted a competitive 168/8, anchored by a brisk 74-run partnership between Player of the Match Saim Ayub (40 off 22) and captain Salman Ali Agha (39), despite a middle-order collapse triggered by Adam Zampa’s 4/24.

In response, Australia's chase faltered against Pakistan's spin-heavy attack, as Abrar Ahmed (2/10) and Ayub (2/29) stifled the scoring. While Cameron Green provided brief resistance with 36, two critical run-outs and disciplined death bowling restricted Australia to 146/8, handing the hosts a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 30, 2026 03:16 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).