New Zealand vs Pakistan: The 1st Test set to continue at Hagley Oval despite quake hit Christchurch

New Zealand vs Pakistan: The first Test set to continue despite a 7.8 magnitude quake hit Christchurch in Midnight.

New Zealand and Pakistan are all set to lock horns in Christchurch this Thursday despite a massive earthquake that shook the entire Down Under country at the midnight which wrecked havoc on infrastructure in the city and killed two.

New Zealand Cricket spokesperson confirmed on Monday that the first Test of three match series will be held at Hagley Oval as per the schedule after the venue and players’ accommodation found safe.

On Monday midnight a scary 7.8 magnitude earthquake, which is one of the most powerful in New Zealand’s history, hit near the South Island, about 180 km north of Christchurch.

After  the quake security force came and escorted off Pakistani players from the hotel.

New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry was at his home in Christchurch. He was sleeping when the quake hit the city. He felt the tremor and was sacred. “I was lying in bed and woke up to quite a long rumble,” he said. “It was a bit scary. They’re hard to get used to.” He added. (India vs England: Five things India must improve before the second Test)

Henry feels at this moment if the match continues then people of the city will take their mind off from the mishap.

“It always brings a community together and for a brief moment you can get back to a bit of normality, so it’s probably a good timing to have a Test match this week,” he said. (Pakistan team evacuated out of hotel after New Zealand earthquake)

The touring party Pakistan is staying about 200km from the epicenter. They also felt the tremor in their hotel in Nelson.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan women team is also touring New Zealand and about to face New Zealand Women team for the fourth One Day International at Nelson’s Saxton Oval on Thursday.  They were on the 13th floor of a hotel in Christchurch when the tremors began.

Pakistan team manager Basit Ali told Pakistan’s Geo News that everyone is safe and there were no causalities and injuries.  “It was so horrible and players were scared, we immediately moved out of (the) hotel. Players were without slippers even,” Basit said.