Sat Apr 05 08:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Ugly Scenes Mar New Zealand’s ODI Whitewash of Pakistan

**Mount Maunganui, New Zealand:** New Zealand completed a 3-0 ODI series whitewash over Pakistan with a 43-run victory in a rain-shortened final match at Bay Oval on Saturday. However, the match was overshadowed by ugly scenes involving Pakistan cricketer Khushdil Shah and alleged abusive behavior from some spectators.

Following the match, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued a strong condemnation of the abusive language directed at their players by spectators, specifically mentioning anti-Pakistan slogans and inappropriate remarks in Pashto. The PCB stated that Khushdil Shah had attempted to intervene, leading to further escalation. Stadium officials subsequently removed two disruptive spectators. Videos circulating on social media appear to show security intervening to separate Shah from a fan, though the exact nature of the incident remains unclear.

On the field, Ben Sears’s second consecutive five-wicket haul (5/40) proved pivotal in New Zealand’s win. Chasing a revised target of 265 in a 42-over game, Pakistan struggled after Imam-ul-Haq retired hurt early. Babar Azam (50) offered resistance, but Sears’ effective short-ball bowling, along with contributions from Jacob Duffy (2/44), broke the Pakistani batting order. Mohammad Rizwan (37) and Tayyab Tahir (33) provided late fight, but Pakistan ultimately fell short at 221.

New Zealand’s innings had seen a strong start from Rhys Mariu (58) and Henry Nicholls (32), who put on a 78-run partnership. Despite some late wickets, Michael Bracewell’s aggressive 59 propelled the Kiwis to a competitive 264/8. The win capped off a dominant series performance for the hosts. The incident involving Khushdil Shah, however, leaves a sour note on what was otherwise a convincing New Zealand victory.

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