Image default
Cricket Sports Top Stories

Pakistan vs New Zealand Test to go ahead after earthquake

CHRISTCHURCH: The first Test between New Zealand and Pakistan is set to go ahead in Christchurch this week, despite a massive earthquake which killed at least two people and caused major infrastructure damage.

A New Zealand cricket spokesman confirmed Monday that the Test would begin at Hagley Oval on Thursday as planned after the venue and teams’ accommodation were checked and found to be safe, ARY news reported.

The 7.8-magnitude quake, one of the most powerful ever recorded in New Zealand, hit just after midnight (1100 GMT Sunday) near the South Island town of Kaikoura, about 180 kilometres (110 miles) north of Christchurch.

New Zealand pace bowler Matt Henry was asleep at home in Christchurch when the quake struck.

“I was lying in bed and woke up to quite a long rumble,” he said.

“It was a bit scary. They’re hard to get used to.”

Henry said the cricket would be a welcome distraction to help people take their minds off what had happened

“It always brings a community together and for a brief moment you can get back to a bit of normality, so it’s probably a good timing to have a Test match this week,” said Henry.

The Pakistan touring squad felt the tremors in their hotel in Nelson, about 200 kilometres from the quake’s centre.

“Some of the boys were in prayer, some were watching the India-England Test on TV when we felt the windows shake,” team manager Wasim Bari told ESPN Cricinfo.

“The whole room began to shake. We were on the sixth and seventh floor, and evacuated immediately. We are all safe,” added the former Test wicketkeeper.

The Pakistan women’s team, who are also touring New Zealand, were on the 13th floor of a hotel in Christchurch when the tremors began.

Basit Ali, their manager, told Pakistan’s Geo News they were all safe.

“It was so horrible and players were scared, we immediately moved out of (the) hotel. Players were without slippers even,” he was reported as saying.

They are due to face the New Zealand women’s team in the fourth one-day international at Nelson’s Saxton Oval on Thursday.

Dear TNT Reader,

At The News Tribe, our mission is to bring you free, independent, and unbiased news and content that keeps you informed and empowered. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism, as we understand that we are a platform for truth.

Apart from independent global news coverage, we also commit our unique focus on the Muslim world. In an age marked by the troubling rise of Islamophobia and widespread misrepresentation of Muslims in Western media, we strive to provide accurate and fair coverage.

But to continue doing so, we need your support. Even a small donation of 1$ can make a big difference. Your contribution will help us maintain the quality of our news and counteract the negative narratives that are so prevalent.

Please consider donating today to ensure we can keep delivering the news that matters. Together, we can make a positive impact on the world, and work towards a more inclusive, informed global society.

Monthly Subscription Annual Subscription

Visa Card MasterCard American Express Card

We want to hear your Travel Stories.

Do you have a memorable, unbelievable, or favorite travel experience? Share your story with us.