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In the third T20I against New Zealand in Dunedin on Wednesday (January 17), Pakistan‘s Babar Azam displayed his exceptional form by scoring his third consecutive fifty in the series. However, his impressive knock of 57 off 38 balls couldn’t secure a victory for Pakistan, as the hosts, led by Finn Allen‘s explosive century, clinched the series 3-0 with a 45 runs win.
Despite Babar’s valiant efforts, Tim Southee‘s stellar bowling performance, claiming 2 wickets for 29 runs, restricted Pakistan to 179/7 in their pursuit of the challenging target of 225. Babar’s innings included eight fours and one impactful six, but this particular six had unintended consequences as it ended up injuring a spectator in the ground.
Babar Azam’s powerful six causes injury to spectator
During Pakistan’s chase, on the fourth ball of the 13th over, Azam executed a powerful pull shot off Matt Henry‘s delivery. The shot, resembling a laser beam, soared over the fence in the area between mid-wicket and square leg. Regrettably, it struck a man attempting to catch the ball, hitting him around the neck and face area after slipping through his hands. The impact led to the man falling before the ball popped up, and another fan managed to catch it.
Also READ: Twitter reactions: Finn Allen’s record-shattering ton demolishes Pakistan in 3rd T20I as New Zealand seal the series
Babar’s priceless reaction
The camera then focused on a shocked Babar, who held up his hand with his mouth wide open in reaction. Babar, realizing that the ball had crashed into the spectator, expressed his unhappiness at seeing the injured fan. With one hand over his head, the former captain checked from the pitch to ascertain the condition of the spectator, displaying genuine concern for the well-being of the unfortunate individual. The incident highlighted the unexpected and sometimes hazardous nature of the game for both players and spectators alike.
Here’s the video:
Babar Azam is such a character as after hitting a six he's so concerned about that spectators. #NZvPAK pic.twitter.com/iaC5FXjwZV
— PSL Memes (@PSL_Memes_) January 17, 2024
Pakistan seek redemption in remaining T20Is
With the series now decided, the cricketing action moves to Christchurch for the remaining two T20Is. Pakistan will face a formidable challenge of winning both matches to restore pride and salvage a positive outcome from the tour.