A fan in Pakistan was seen screaming 'Virat Kohli zindabad' outside the National Stadium in Karachi following the tri-series final against New Zealand as a video of the same surfaced on social media on February 14, Friday. With plenty of fans speaking to a reporter outside the stadium, a a few of them got excited when Kohli's name came up amid those.
Despite his dwindling returns with the bat in recent times, Kohli has a massive fan following worldwide, especially in Pakistan. The 36-year-old has the most runs in international cricket among active players and boasts the highest number of hundreds as well. The 2023 World Cup semi-final saw the veteran batter cross Sachin Tendulkar's tally of 50 ODI centuries.
Below is a short clip from the Karachi stadium:
Pakistan lose tri-series final to New Zealand by five wickets ahead of Champions Trophy
Meanwhile, Pakistan could not go past New Zealand in the tri-series final that took place on Friday in Karachi as the latter emerged triumphant to take the trophy. After Mohammad Rizwan opted to bat first on a tricky surface, the home side was bowled out for 243 in the 50th over.
Although Naseem Shah got them the much-needed breakthrough with the new ball, the likes of Kane Williamson (34), Devon Conway (48), Daryl Mitchell (57) and Tom Latham (56) steered the match towards the visitors' direction. Glenn Phillips, who plundered a century against the hosts in the opening match of the tri-series, hit the winning runs.
The two sides will also start the Champions Trophy in Karachi on February 19.
