ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Watch - Black CAT returns to Karachi, interrupts Pakistan vs New Zealand match

A black cat was once again spotted on the field during the match between the Pakistan National Cricket Team and the New Zealand National Cricket Team at the National Stadium in Karachi.

The black cat made its presence felt during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opening match between Pakistan and New Zealand on Wednesday, February 19.

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ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Black cat spotted on the field during the PAK vs NZ clash

On February 14, the Black Caps and the Men In Green locked horns with each other in the final of the tri-series in Karachi.

During the match, a bizarre incident took place as a black cat entered the ground, resulting in a disturbance for a few minutes. Earlier, during the same match, the cat was attacked by a kite, but thankfully it escaped.

Seeing things unfold in Karachi, commentator Danny Morrisson had cheekily said, "The Black Caps are joined on the field by the black cat," and the PCB also shared the video of the incident.

We've got some feline company enjoying cricket on the ground 🐈‍⬛🤩#3Nations1Trophy | #PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/Nx2RMmzA82

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) February 14, 2025

Meanwhile, the cat returned to the ground to interrupt the Champions Trophy match between Pakistan and New Zealand once again. During the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener, the black cat was seen on the field at the end of the 31st over.

On the last ball of the 31st over, Nathan Smith bowled a short of a length ball to Tayyab Tahir, who dabbed it to third man for a single. Just after the delivery, the camera panned towards the black cat, who was sitting on the ground. There was a small delay in the match, and the cat quickly left the field.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Watch: Black Cat interrupts Black Caps' match vs Pakistan

pic.twitter.com/Vfj7wSvrmt

— Drizzyat12Kennyat8 (@45kennyat7PM) February 19, 2025

What Happened in the Previous Pakistan vs New Zealand Clash?

The previous ODI match between Pakistan and New Zealand was held just recently the final of the Tri-Nation series. New Zealand defeated Pakistan by five wickets in Karachi to lift the trophy.

The visitors chased down the target of 243 with 28 balls to spare, thanks to crucial contributions from Daryl Mitchell (57), Tom Latham (56), and Devon Conway (48). Will O’Rourke was the star with the ball, picking up four wickets for 43 runs, while Mitchell Santner bowled an exceptional spell (2 for 20 in 10 overs) to restrict Pakistan to a low score.

After opting to bat first, Pakistan struggled to find momentum throughout their innings. The top-order batters failed miserably. Following that, a solid fourth-wicket stand was built between Mohammad Rizwan (46) and Salman Agha (45). However, the hosts failed to accelerate in the death overs.

Tayyab Tahir’s quick 38 off 33 balls provided some late impetus, but New Zealand bowlers ensured that Pakistan could only manage 242 before being bowled out in the final over.

Chasing the target, New Zealand lost Will Young early, but Devon Conway and Kane Williamson steadied the ship with a 71-run stand.

Pakistan's bowling attack, led by Naseem Shah (2 for 43), gave their best, but the score was not big enough to defend. Mitchell and Latham had a brilliant 87-run partnership and Glenn Phillips (20* off 17) finished the job comfortably for the Black Caps.