Pakistan all-rounder Khushdil Shah lost his temper and charged at a group of fans following Pakistan’s defeat in the third and final ODI against New Zealand at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, on Saturday. The Mohammad Rizwan-led side was whitewashed 0-3 in the ODI series, following a 1-4 loss in the preceding five-match T20I series.

While the exact cause of Khushdil’s aggressive reaction remains unclear, witnesses reported that he was repeatedly taunted by fans over the team’s poor performance during the tour. The taunts appeared to provoke the 30-year-old, who eventually confronted members of the crowd. Before the situation could escalate further, support staff quickly intervened and escorted him away.

In response to the incident, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued an official statement condemning the behavior of certain spectators. The statement noted that foreign fans had directed abusive language at Pakistani players and that Khushdil reacted after hearing anti-Pakistan slogans.

“The Pakistan cricket team management strongly condemns the abusive language directed at national players by foreign spectators. During today’s match, inappropriate remarks were made toward cricketers on the field,” the PCB stated.

“When anti-Pakistan slogans were shouted, Khushdil Shah attempted to intervene and urged the spectators to stop. However, some Afghan fans escalated the situation by using further inappropriate language in Pashto. Following a complaint from the Pakistani team, stadium officials intervened and removed the two disruptive individuals from the venue,” the statement further added.

Earlier, Pakistan's disappointing performance continued in the third and final ODI as they lost the last match of their tour by 43 runs. Rizwan and his team failed to chase down 265 in a rain-affected game.

Set a revised target of 265 in a match shortened to 42 overs due to a delayed start, Pakistan was bowled out for 221 in 40 overs, in response to New Zealand’s 264/8.

Babar Azam and Rizwan made valuable contributions with scores of 50 and 37, keeping Pakistan in the game. However, once both were dismissed, no other batter could take charge, and the Kiwis secured a comfortable victory, completing a 3-0 series win.