Title: 'Fearful Atmosphere': New Zealand batter ducks as Karachi crowd is startled by loud noise in Pakistan's Champions Trophy match

It took a considerable amount of time before balance was finally restored. Despite lingering reservations in India, the remaining six teams are currently in Pakistan, vying for glory in the ICC tournament. Even New Zealand, who abruptly ended their tour in 2021 due to security concerns, have since returned to Pakistan. They recently competed in a tri-series and are now actively participating in the Champions Trophy. However, despite the extensive security measures put in place, the wounds of the past still haunt the players and the public. As Pakistan's captain, Mohammad Rizwan, won the toss and chose to bowl, the sudden roar of fighter jets startled both the New Zealand batsmen and the spectators in Karachi.

Also Read: Pakistan vs New Zealand Champions Trophy LIVE Score and Updates

Also Read: 'Tragedy' for Pakistan in Champions Trophy first over, Fakhar Zaman suffers 'freakish' injury vs New Zealand

When the Pakistan fighter jets flew over the stadium, the decibel levels were so high that Devon Conway ducked for cover before realising what caused it. As the camera turned towards the fans, a section of the crowd was visibly scared, some covering their ears and others holding their chest. "They all got scared because of the loud noise of the jets," a commentator on Hindi broadcasting duty said.

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What Pakistan has done to enhance security

The Pakistan government has lined up more than 12000 police personnel across Lahore and Rawalpindi to ensure that security on par during the Champions Trophy. The contingent includes 18 senior officers, 54 DSPs, 135 inspectors, 1200 upper subordinates, 10556 constables, and over 200 female police officers. Additionally, nine special charter flights have also been arranged for fans.

The Champions Trophy kicks off with defending champions Pakistan. Who can forget the final of the last edition in 2017, where, despite all odds, the Men in Green, led by Sarfaraz Ahmed, dished out a 180-run hammering to India? Pakistan had comprehensively lost their league fixture to their arch-rivals; hence, when they qualified for the final, no one really gave them a chance against a red-hot Indian team. But on the day when it mattered the most, Pakistan pulled off a… well… Pakistan.

Fakhar Zaman's magnificent century took Pakistan to a huge total of 338, chasing which Team India was bundled out for 158. Mohammad Amir removed the Indian top order of Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli to reduce them to 33/3. Hardik Pandya tried with some belligerent hitting en route to scoring 76 off 43 balls, but it was never going to be enough. Once he was gone, run out after a mix-up with Ravindra Jadeja, it was curtains for India.

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