Picture Credit: X
Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand finally culminated on Saturday, April 5 with the visitors going down by 43 runs in a rain-marred third ODI at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. Coming into the ODI-leg of the tour after losing the five-match T20I series by 1-4 margin, the Men in Green suffered a drubbing at the hands of New Zealand in the three-match ODI series.
For the unversed, Pakistan won the toss and elected to bowl first. Inviting New Zealand to bat first, Rhys Mariu played a crucial knock of 61-ball 58. Skipper Michael Bracewell also added 59 runs, with Daryl Mitchell also contributing with his 53-ball 43 to eventually post 265-run target for the visitors in 42 overs a side match.
The Men in Green could not come out on top despite Babar Azam’s half-century as they were restricted to 221 in 40 overs. Seeing the hosts register 43-run win, the match was then marred with controversy. With unhappiness among fans and players alike over the series defeat, Pakistan all-rounder Khushdil Shah was involved in a heated confrontation with taunting fans.
Khushdil Shah confronts fans after Pakistan’s 0-3 series defeat vs NZ
The incident ocurred shortly after Pakistan’s 43-run defeat. Eyewitnesses reported that some fans made personal remarks at the players as they were exiting the field. The Pakistan all-rounder could not contain his emotions and turned around to confront the spectators. Agitated Khushdil had to be restrained by teammates and the security personnel after reacting to comments from the crowd.
While his actions have come into notice of several including the ICC panel of umpires, he is likely to get a hefty fine for his actions. This being not his first disciplinary fallout, he was earlier fined 50 percent of his match fee and handed three demerit points in the T20I series.
After the incident, a journalist named Imran Siddique said a couple of Afghan men had misbehaved with Pakistan cricketers. “Two Afghan men bisbehaved with Pakistani cricketers in Mount Maunganui. Khushdil Shah asked them to stop, but they continued to abuse him, promoting a reaction from the player,” the statement read.
With the conclusion of the series, Pakistan players will return to their home where they will now play in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025, set to be played from April 11.
Read the Latest Cricket News and PSL Live Score at SportsTiger
