Pakistan with surprise in Karachi before Champions Trophy match; New Zealand player falls to the ground shocked

KARACHI: The Champions Trophy matches began today. The first match was between hosts Pakistan and New Zealand. An incident that happened in Karachi just before the match has now become a topic of discussion on social media. Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and chose to field. As New Zealand players Devon Conway and Will Young were coming onto the pitch to bat, an air show by the Pakistan Air Force was taking place ahead of the match. Devon Conway was shocked to hear the loud noise of fighter jets and fell to the ground. The spectators in the gallery were also seen on camera standing in shock. Some stood with their hands on their chests in fear.

An ICC series is coming to Pakistan after a long 29 years. The previous venue was the 1996 ODI World Cup. India and Sri Lanka shared the venues with Pakistan. In 2009, a terrorist attack occurred when Sri Lanka toured Pakistan, resulting in shootings at Sri Lankan cricketers. After that, other teams were unable to tour Pakistan for six long years. Pakistan had to choose the UAE as their home and away grounds. This time, India will not play any of their matches in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, but in the UAE. India's match will be held in Dubai. The semi-final match will also be in Dubai. If India reaches the final, that match will also have to be played in the UAE.

A team came to Pakistan to play in 2015, after six years since the 2009 attacks. New Zealand was scheduled to tour Pakistan in 2021, but later cancelled. They came to play an ODI series this year. They won the series against Pakistan, South Africa and New Zealand.

The air show was conducted by the Pakistan Air Force's Sherdil Squadron in Karachi. JF-17 Thunder and F-16 fighter jets participated in the air show. Meanwhile, in the Karachi ODI, centuries from wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Latham (118 not out) and opener Will Young (107) and a quickfire half-century from Glenn Phillips (61 off 39 balls) helped New Zealand post 320 for five in their allotted 50 overs.

Naseem Shah took two wickets each for Pakistan, conceding 63 runs in 10 overs, and Haris Rauf took 83 runs.