ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Watch - New Zealand players rattled as Pakistan Air Force's act causes big scare

The Pakistan Air Force put on a special "Sher Dil" air show before the start of the match between Pakistan and New Zealand during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. However, New Zealand openers Devon Conway and Will Young, along with fans, were taken aback by the sound of the air show in Karachi.

Pakistan are taking on New Zealand in the opening match of the event on Wednesday, February 19. The tournament is special for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and fans, as it is the first ICC event in the country after 29 years. The last time Pakistan hosted a major ICC tournament was the 1996 Cricket World Cup.

Watch: Pakistan’s ‘Sher Dil’ Air Show Leaves New Zealand Players Stunned

To mark the special moment more auspicious, the Pakistan Air Force performed a special air show titled 'Sher Dil' during the national anthem ahead of the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy. The grand opening ceremony was attended by Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari as the chief guest.

Fighter jets performed impressive maneuvers over the stadium as players prepared to take the field, leaving fans in awe. Devon Conway and Will Young were startled when the jets suddenly appeared. The air show featured top military aircraft like the F-16 and JF-17, drawing attention from fans on social media.

You can watch the video of the incident below:

New Zealand must have been scared for a while after seeing the airplanes in the air 😂#PakvsNz #ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/pLNuuTx8UN

— Mark. (@CheekuGang) February 19, 2025

Mohammad Rizwan Won the Toss and Chose to Bowl First in Champions Trophy Opener

Indian Air Force's Surya Kiran aerobatic team performed a special air show before the 2023 World Cup final. Similarly, for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had announced in advance that the Pakistan Air Force would put on a special aerial display for the cricket fans.

Talking about the ongoing match, Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and chose to bowl first in Karachi. The hosts face added pressure against New Zealand, who had already beaten them twice in the recent tri-series, which also included South Africa. The Black Caps went on to win the title.

Abrar Ahmed Gives Pakistan Their First Breakthrough With a Stunning Delivery

New Zealand openers Will Young and Devon Conway added a 39-run stand. Abrar Ahmed gave Pakistan their first breakthrough with a stunning delivery that went past Conway’s bat and crashed into the off-stump. Abrar celebrated in his signature style, folding his hands before his teammates joined in.

New Zealand suffered another major blow in the very next over when Kane Williamson, who scored just one run off two balls, was dismissed. Naseem Shah bowled an excellent delivery that took Williamson’s edge, and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan dived to take a clean catch, reducing the Kiwis to 40/2.

Also read: "India always make lame excuses.."– Pakistan veteran tears apart team India before Champions Trophy 2025