VIDEO: 'It felt like we were leaving Karachi airport after winning the World Cup', Rizwan was elated with the welcome of Indian fans

 

Pakistan suffered a five-wicket defeat against New Zealand in the ODI World Cup warm-up match in Hyderabad on Friday (September 29). Batting first, Pakistan scored 345 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in 50 overs, with Mohammad Rizwan scoring 103 runs while captain Babar Azam scored 80 runs. Later, New Zealand achieved the target in just 43.4 overs thanks to Rachin Ravindra's tremendous innings of 97 runs. 

Of course, Pakistan had to face defeat in this match but despite this, many positives also emerged for them and one of them was the scoring of a century by Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan. After this century, Rizwan not only spoke about Pakistan's defeat but also expressed his gratitude towards the people of Hyderabad for warmly welcoming the Pakistani team on its arrival.

Pakistan Cricket Board has shared a video of Rizwan from its official social media account in which he is talking about this warm-up match and at the end he is praising the Indian fans. Rizwan says, "The Indian audience loved us a lot at the airport itself, just like our fans love us in Pakistan. We were given a wonderful welcome in India. Just like we have seen the love for us in the hearts of Pakistani fans. Similarly, there was that love in their hearts too. As soon as we came out of the airport, believe me, we felt as if we were leaving the airport of Karachi or Lahore after winning the World Cup and all our Pakistani people had come."

Speaking further, Rizwan said, "I also asked the other players, when we entered, there was a different atmosphere. Some players even said that we got goosebumps. I will always remember the welcome given by the people of India. It will remain and Inshallah, when Indians come to Pakistan, our people will love them more."