Pakistan clinched a 22-run victory over Australia in the first T20I at Lahore, but the match result was almost overshadowed by a bizarre DRS moment that left players, commentators and fans in splits. What should have been a routine decision turned into a prolonged episode of confusion, quickly going viral across social media platforms.
The incident unfolded when Adam Zampa trapped Babar Azam right in front of the stumps with a leg-break. Australia appealed loudly for LBW, but on-field umpire Ahsan Raza ruled it not out. Confident of success, the Australian players opted for an immediate review. What followed during the Decision Review System (DRS) check stunned everyone watching.
As ball-tracking appeared on the big screen, it clearly showed the delivery pitching outside off stump, hitting Babar in line, and going on to clip the stumps — a straightforward ‘out’ verdict. However, third umpire Nasir Hussain appeared to misread the graphics and incorrectly announced that the ball had pitched outside leg stump. The confusion deepened when officials in the backroom quickly alerted him that Babar was a right-handed batter.
WATCH – Suryakumar Yadav’s ‘VIP Treatment’ For Sanju Samson Steals The Show
By this point, Babar Azam had already begun his walk back to the pavilion, seemingly convinced he was out. Yet, the third umpire remained uncertain and called for another look at the replays. When the ball-tracking was replayed, Nasir Hussain finally read the sequence correctly — “pitching outside off, impact in line, wickets hitting” — but instead of instructing the on-field umpire to overturn the decision, he bizarrely asked him to stay with the original ‘not out’ call.
Just listen to Pakistan 3rd umpire
Australia team be like -Kin gawaro ko umpire bna diya
pic.twitter.com/uS3CqfpBeR— Space Recorder (@1spacerecorder) January 30, 2026
The mix-up left everyone baffled. Moments later, the third umpire corrected himself once again and finally asked Ahsan Raza to change the decision to out. The entire process took far longer than necessary, turning a simple LBW call into an awkward spectacle. Commentators could barely contain their laughter, while players looked visibly amused and confused.
Clips of the incident spread rapidly online, with fans poking fun at the chaotic DRS communication and calling it one of the strangest umpiring moments in recent times.
ALSO READ: Tilak Varma Nears Comeback As Simulation Game Marks Final Step In Recovery
On the cricketing front, Australia will be eager to regroup after the opening loss. With several senior players rested — including captain Mitch Marsh — Travis Head led a relatively inexperienced side. The visitors will look to bounce back in the remaining matches of the series and shift the focus back to the cricket rather than off-field drama.
