14 hours Ago
The final ODI between New Zealand and Pakistan ended in controversy as Khushdil Shah clashed with spectators over anti-Pakistan slogans. The third and final ODI between New Zealand vs Pakistan at Mount Maunganui ended on an ugly note as the all-rounder, Khushdil Shah was seen embroiled in a heated tussle with two spectators at the venue. With Pakistan losing out the third ODI by 43 runs in what was a truncated contest, reduced to 42 overs per side due to a wet outfield, things turned to an even sour note after the heated exchange between the player and the spectator.
In a video released on X (formerly known as Twitter), two spectators can be seen being taken away by the ground’s security staff. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) released a statement regarding the incident which claims that Khushdil had asked the spectator to avoid hurling anti-Pakistan slogans. “The Pakistan cricket team management has strongly condemned the abusive language directed at national players by foreign spectators.
During the match today, foreign spectators hurled inappropriate remarks at cricketers present on the field," the PCB said. “When anti-Pakistan slogans emerged, cricketer Khushdil Shah stepped in and urged the spectators to refrain. In response, Afghan spectators escalated the situation by using further inappropriate language in Pashto.
Following the Pakistani team’s complaint, stadium officials intervened and ejected the two disruptive spectators," the statement added. Fifties from Rhys Mariu and the skipper Michael Bracewell saw the New Zealand side set a target of 265 runs, with Akif Javed finishing as the pick of the bowlers in the first innings with figures of 4/62 in 8 overs. The Kiwis also had contributions from Daryl Mitchell (43) and Tim Seifert (26) to push the hosts to set a decent total.
Despite Babar Azam scoring a fifty, the rest of the Pakistan batting unit were unable to step up to the chase as they ended up suffering the defeat, thanks to Ben Sears taking a five-wicket haul in his nine overs whilst conceding just 34 runs. Both Abdullah Shafique and Mohammad Rizwan got starts, but they were unable to capitalise and take the chase on as they finished with a 0-3 series defeat. This comes after the crushing 1-4 T20I series defeat, as well as bringing the spotlight to how disappointing Pakistan has been in recent times.
.
