In an odd moment during the third T20I between Pakistan and New Zealand, play stopped as the floodlights suddenly failed, just as New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy was ready for the key ball to Pakistan batter Tayyab Tahir. In Pakistan's innings, the incident was seen during the 39th over. Pakistan had a score of 218/8 when they were chasing a steep target, requiring 47 runs from 21 balls. Tayyab was batting quite confidently on 33 from 30 balls, along with tailender Akif Javed at the exact other end. Duffy, having figures of 1 for 39, began all during his run-up on just the seventh ball from his spell when, quite literally, everything went dark.

The blackout, quite sudden, stunned all of the people—players, fans, and commentators alike. Duffy attained quite his delivery stride. Then the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium floodlights cut out, plunging the field in darkness. Both of the batters, along with the bowler, instinctively stopped themselves, with complete confusion coupled with laughter spreading across the entire ground.

This game keeps on giving 😭 pic.twitter.com/5Th8U37sRm

— psyf (@PsyfeR888) April 5, 2025

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Due to one unforeseen issue, a pause occurred while stagehands were fixing all of the lights. During that short break, players all gathered together and chatted, while social media then exploded with various reactions to that surreal scene. The fans joked of how the pressure of tense final overs was a lot to handle. Even those lights could not quite handle those tense final overs. Fortunately, this issue was absolutely resolved promptly, and then play resumed without more hiccups. Even though it did not quite change up the final outcome, the moment has now earned its place in cricketing folklore.

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Khushdil Shah confronts fans taunting Pakistan team after their dismal performance

Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand ended not only in a disappointing series loss but also amid controversy, as all-rounder Khushdil Shah became involved in a heated exchange with fans after the third ODI in Mount Maunganui. Clearly frustrated, Khushdil had to be restrained by teammates and security personnel after reacting to taunts from the crowd.

The altercation occurred shortly after Pakistan’s 43-run defeat, which sealed a 3-0 whitewash in the ODI series, following a 4-1 loss in the preceding T20Is. Eyewitnesses reported that some fans directed personal and provocative remarks at the players as they exited the field. In response, an angered Khushdil turned back to confront the crowd, continuing the verbal exchange despite attempts by others to calm the situation.