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Ahead of the CT 2025 opener, New Zealand batters were seen on camera getting a jump scare as the air show was underway in Karachi.
New Zealand batters got a jump scare during the air show ahead of the CT 2025 opener. (Image: Screengrab, X)
Just before the opening fixture of the Champions Trophy 2025, fans in Karachi were entertained by an air show that even brought smiles to some of the players ahead of the match.
Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat first in their opening clash against New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi. During the air show where some of the batters were putting on their gear before walking out to bat, the New Zealand batters seemingly got a jump scare as the fighter jets zoomed past the stadium in close proximity.
The eight-nation event was launched with the country’s Air Force flying over the stadium to mark the occasion as thousands of fans, including President Asif Zardari, took their seats on a historic day.
A video which was shared on X (formerly known as Twitter) captures the moment where the Kiwi batters got scared momentarily. They were then seen smiling as they made their way onto their field.
New Zealand finished the first innings with a whopping score of 320/5 in 50 overs. Tom Latham starred with an unbeaten 118 while the opening batter, Will Young scored 107. However, Glenn Phillips’ quickfire knock of 61 in 39 balls saw the away side taking a 300+ score with ease.
On the field, Young and Latham revived the innings from 73-3 with a 118-run fourth wicket stand, helping their team overcome the early loss of Devon Conway (10), Kane Williamson (1) and Daryl Mitchell (10).
Young hit 12 boundaries and a six in his fourth one-day international century before holing out to Naseem Shah in the 38th over.
Latham and Glenn Phillips, who made an aggressive 39-ball 61, gave the innings more impetus as New Zealand smashed 113 in the last 10 overs and 64 in the last five.
Latham hit 10 boundaries and three sixes in his eighth one-day hundred while Phillips’s robust knock had four sixes and three boundaries.
Fast bowler Naseem Shah was the best Pakistan bowler with 2-63 but fellow pacers Haris Rauf finished with 2-83 and Shaheen Afridi conceded 68 in 10 wicket-less overs each.
Pakistan suffered a big blow with Fakhar Zaman being unable to open the batting due to an on-field injury which saw him sidelined for most of the first innings.
(with AFP Inputs)
- Location :
Karachi, Pakistan
