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The third and final ODI between New Zealand and Pakistan at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, turned into an unforgettable spectacle on Saturday. Amidst an already tense match, the floodlights unexpectedly failed, plunging the ground into darkness and leaving players stranded mid-game. This bizarre incident added to the drama of a match that was already marred by injuries and Pakistan’s ongoing struggles.
A sudden blackout in the third ODI between New Zealand and Pakistan
The floodlight failure occurred in the 39th over of Pakistan’s chase, with Jacob Duffy steaming in to deliver his fourth ball to Tayyab Tahir. Just as Duffy was about to release the ball, the entire stadium went pitch black. Tahir, visibly startled by the sudden darkness, stepped away from the crease to avoid potential injury. The eerie moment left players and spectators alike in shock.
While it remains unclear whether Duffy managed to bowl the delivery in the dark, the incident could have led to serious consequences had the ball struck a player unaware of its trajectory. A brief pause ensued as officials scrambled to restore power. Unfortunately for Pakistan, this disruption seemed to break Tahir’s rhythm. On the very next delivery after play resumed, he sliced a shot straight into the hands of a fielder at deep point, extinguishing Pakistan’s slim hopes of chasing down New Zealand’s target.
Here’s the video:
ZIMBABAR Ne Lights Band Kardi 😂.#PAKvNZ #NZvPAK #BabarAzam #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/HZJbr0LGWF
— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒂 (@IamShera3) April 5, 2025
Also READ: Netizens react as clinical New Zealand complete 3-0 whitewash against Pakistan in the ODI series
Injuries add to Pakistan’s woes
Earlier in the game, Pakistan faced another setback when opener Imam-ul-Haq suffered a head injury. While attempting a quick single in the third over, a fielder’s throw deflected off his helmet and struck him on the face. Imam collapsed on the field and had to be stretchered off for medical attention. He failed a subsequent concussion test and was replaced by Usman Khan under ICC’s concussion substitute rules.
This marked yet another instance of Pakistan grappling with injuries during their New Zealand tour. Imam’s absence disrupted Pakistan’s batting order, and his replacement Usman failed to make an impact, managing only 12 runs before being dismissed.
New Zealand dominate Pakistan yet again
Despite these dramatic interruptions, New Zealand maintained their dominance throughout the match. Batting first in a rain-shortened 42-over game, they posted a competitive total of 264/8. Ben Sears emerged as the star bowler for New Zealand, claiming five wickets for just 34 runs. His relentless short-pitched deliveries exposed Pakistan’s vulnerability against pace and bounce.
In response, Pakistan struggled to build partnerships and were bowled out for 221 runs in 40 overs, falling 43 runs short of their target. This defeat sealed a 3-0 series sweep for New Zealand and extended Pakistan’s dismal run on this tour. The visitors had also lost the preceding T20I series 4-1.
Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand has been nothing short of disastrous. The team has now suffered seven losses in their last eight white-ball matches. Their inability to adapt to New Zealand’s conditions—characterized by pace-friendly pitches and consistent bounce—has been glaring throughout both series.
