A tense moment unfolded during the 3rd ODI between New Zealand and Pakistan at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, when the stadium lights suddenly went off just as the bowler was about to deliver the ball. The shocking incident was captured live and has since gone viral on social media, with fans describing it as a “horrifying” and potentially dangerous lapse.
A user on X (formerly Twitter) posted, “Just as the bowler was about to bowl, all the lights suddenly went off. This could have turned disastrous! WHAT IF the ball hit the batsman? Luckily the batsman moved back after the delivery.”
https://twitter.com/Astro__Sunita/status/1908411821976887483
The visuals and fan reactions have raised serious concerns over on-field safety, especially during night matches where visibility is crucial. Thankfully, no one was injured during the incident and play resumed shortly after power was restored.
The moment could have resulted in serious injury had the batter not reacted quickly. While the match went on to see New Zealand win by 43 runs in a rain-shortened encounter, this blackout will remain one of the most talked-about moments from the game — not for cricketing reasons, but due to what could have been a major safety scare.
