Pakistan cricket team celebrates Eid-ul-Fitr in Hamilton

The Pakistan men’s cricket team celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr in Hamilton on Tuesday as they continued preparations for the second ODI against New Zealand, set to take place at Seddon Park on Wednesday.

In a video shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the players, dressed in traditional attire, were seen heading to a local mosque for Eid-ul-Fitr prayers. Following the prayers, they gathered for group photos, which quickly made rounds on social media.

“A very warm Eid Mubarak to you from the Pakistan team,” said star batter Babar Azam in the video, extending his wishes to fans.

“Enjoy these three days [of Eid] to the fullest, meet your loved ones, and remember Pakistan and the entire cricket team in your prayers.”

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Pakistan cricket team is currently on a white-ball tour of New Zealand, which includes a five-match T20I series and the ongoing three-match ODI series. However, the tour has been far from ideal for the visitors.

After a disappointing 4-1 loss in the T20I series, Pakistan stumbled in the ODI opener as well, suffering a 73-run defeat. New Zealand, batting first, posted a daunting total of 344, powered by Mark Chapman’s 132 and a rapid 24-ball fifty from debutant Muhammad Abbas.

In response, Pakistan made a strong start and reached 249-3 in the 39th over. However, a sudden collapse saw them crumble to 271 all out, missing out on what once seemed like a competitive chase.

Pakistan Squad for Second ODI Against New Zealand

Mohammad Rizwan (c), Salman Ali Agha (vc), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir, Haris Rauf.

READ: New Zealand suffer major blow ahead of second ODI against Pakistan