NZ vs PAK 2025: Khushdil Shah confronts fans taunting after clean sweep

Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand ended not just in defeat but also controversy, as all-rounder Khushdil Shah was involved in a heated confrontation with taunting fans following the third ODI at Mount Maunganui. An agitated Khushdil had to be restrained by teammates and security personnel after reacting to comments from the crowd.

The incident occurred shortly after Pakistan's 43-run defeat, with the hosts finishing off a 3-0 whitewash in the ODI series and a 4-1 loss in the preceding T20I leg. Eyewitnesses reported that some fans made personal remarks at the players as they were exiting the field. Khushdil, unable to contain his emotions, turned around and confronted the spectators. Despite the efforts of other players and security officials, he continued with his retort.

Notably, this is not Khushdil’s first disciplinary fallout on the tour. During the T20I series, he was fined 50 percent of his match fee and handed three demerit points for running into New Zealand bowler Zac Foulkes while taking a single in the eighth over.

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Meanwhile, in the 3rd ODI, after rain delayed the start and reduced the game to 42 overs a side, the hosts posted 264, courtesy of Michael Bracewell's explosive 59 and a 50 from Rhys Mariu. In reply, Pakistan's chase, Babar Azam top-scored with a 50 off 58, but Ben Sears’ exceptional 5 for 34 saw the visitors bundled out for 221.

Pakistan's innings was disrupted early on by a freak injury to opener Imam-ul-Haq, who was stretchered off after a throw deflected into his jaw. The middle order tried to stitch together partnerships, but none were able to stay for long against the Kiwi attack.