During the recent 3rd T20I between Pakistan and New Zealand on January 17, the DJ at the University Oval in Dunedin played the theme music of WWE wrestler Big Show as Pakistan batter Azam Khan walked in to bat. A video capturing this incident quickly circulated online, sparking mixed reactions from fans.
While Azam Khan maintained focus on the game, some social media users found the use of the WWE star’s theme offensive. Pakistani journalist Farid Khan criticized the hosts, stating, “Pathetic from the hosts to play The Big Show’s entrance music when Azam Khan came out to bat.” Despite this criticism, fans had varied reactions, with some not finding any issue with the choice of entrance music.
Azam Khan, son of former wicketkeeper-batter Moin Khan, fell short of expectations for the third consecutive time in the T20I series. Despite his flashy entry, Azam managed only 10 runs off 7 balls, including a solitary six.
In pursuit of a challenging target of 228 runs, Pakistan struggled to find a reliable partner for former captain Babar Azam, resulting in a collapse of the middle order. Ultimately, Pakistan ended at 179 for 7, succumbing to a 45-run defeat in the 3rd T20I, giving New Zealand an unassailable 3-0 lead in the 5-match series.
Earlier in the day, Finn Allen made history by recording the highest T20I score by a New Zealand batter. His explosive innings of 137 runs off 62 balls, featuring a record-equalling 16 sixes, propelled New Zealand to a commanding total of 227.
