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Khushdil Shah confronts critics in the crowd after Pakistan's third ODI defeat to New Zealand

Khushdil Shah confronts critics in the crowd after Pakistan's third ODI defeat to New Zealand

Express Tribune05-04-2025

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Pakistan all-rounder Khushdil Shah was involved in an altercation with fans following Pakistan's 3-0 loss to New Zealand in the ODI series.
The incident occurred after Pakistan were defeated by 43 runs in the third ODI on Friday, which resulted in a clean sweep in the series.
Pakistan was set a target of 265 runs in a 42-over contest. Babar Azam (50 off 58 balls), was the top batter for Pakistan as the Greenshirts were bowled out for 221 in 40 overs. New Zealand's Ben Sears took 5 wickets for 34 runs in 9 overs, playing a key role in the defeat.
Following the loss, Khushdil Shah reacted to taunts from spectators in the crowd.
Visuals of the incident showed Khushdil attempting to confront the fans before security intervened to separate the parties. The incident was captured and circulated widely on social media.
The defeat ensured a 3-0 whitewash in the ODI series, following a 4-1 result in the preceding T20I series. Michael Bracewell was named Player of the Match for his 59 runs.
Previously, Khushdil Shah accepted his fine of 50% match fee for a Level 2 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct during the first T20I against New Zealand in Christchurch on March 16.
The left-hander was also handed three demerit points, marking his first offence in a 24-month period.
Khushdil was found guilty during the first T20I between Pakistan and New Zealand of violating Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which pertains to 'inappropriate physical contact with a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee or any other person (including a spectator during an International Match).'
The incident occurred during the eighth over of Pakistan's innings when Khushdil forcefully barged into New Zealand pacer Zakary Foulkes.

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