(Image Source: Twitter)
[Saba Sports News] During Pakistan’s recent tour of New Zealand, Glenn Phillips paid homage to John Cena by entering the field to the WWE legend’s theme music. In the 3rd T20I against Pakistan at University Oval, the local DJ in Dunedin continued the practice of greeting batters with WWE wrestler theme songs. This time, a playful jab was aimed at Pakistani cricketer Azam Khan, who was welcomed with The Big Show’s theme music.
In the 3rd T20I of their series, Pakistan, visiting New Zealand, found themselves at 95/3 when Azam joined Babar at the wicket. The move to spice up Azam’s entrance with a WWE flair was met with criticism from Pakistani fans on social media, with one fan calling it “pathetic” on X (previously known as Twitter) and urging the Pakistan Cricket Board (@TheRealPCB) to address the issue with New Zealand’s team (@BLACKCAPS).
Azam, son of former Pakistani wicketkeeper-batter Moin Khan and one of the three wicketkeepers chosen for the T20I series in New Zealand, debuted in T20I against England at Trent Bridge in 2021 and has played 8 T20Is for Pakistan. His stint at the crease in this match was brief, as Matt Henry dismissed him after scoring 10 off 7 balls.
In the match, former Pakistan captain Babar scored 58 off 37 balls, but Pakistan could only muster a total of 179-7 in 20 overs. New Zealand achieved a 45-run victory over Pakistan, gaining a 3-0 lead in the five-match series.
Finn Allen’s explosive century was instrumental in setting up New Zealand’s winning score of 224-7. The next match, the 4th T20I, will see Pakistan facing New Zealand in Christchurch at Hagley Oval.