On Saturday, April 29, the second ODI between Pakistan and New Zealand was halted due to umpires changing the size of the 30-yard circle. The match in Rawalpindi was briefly halted after the first over when umpires were spotted asking ground officials to correct the measurements.
According to Pakistani media, the pitch was modified after the first over which was given with faulty measurements. Aleem Dar, a well-known umpire in the cricketing circle, corrected the incorrect dimension by measuring the distance in steps. The uncommon and humorous episode sparked tremendous bashing on social media, and the action was delayed for six minutes before it started.
Here is the video of the incident:
They really changed the 30-yard circle during the match, that was hilarious! ? #PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/7bKhKHgLdt
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) April 29, 2023
Notably, after beating New Zealand in the first two T20Is of the five-match series. Pakistan faced a humiliating defeat in the next two games to draw the series. After the T20I series Kiwis faced Pakistan in the five-match ODI series. The Asian side is leading 1-0 as they beat Kiwis in the first game, thanks to the century from Fakhar Zaman.
New Zealand skipper Tom Latham missed on a century in the 2nd ODI
Further in the game after losing two quick New Zealand skipper Tom Latham along with Daryl Mitchell added 183 runs for the third wicket. Latham in his innings missed out on a well-deserved century as he scored 98 runs off 85 balls with the help of eight boundaries and one maximum. He was dismissed by Haris Rauf.
On the other hand, Mitchell scored 129 runs off 119 balls with the help of eight boundaries and three sixes. He was dismissed by Naseem Shah. His partnership with Latham helped New Zealand to post a competitive total of 336/5 in 50 overs. Haris Rauf proved to be the best bowler for Pakistan as he clinched four wickets. Visitors will now hope to clinch early wickets to make a comeback in the series.
