Sehwag’s ‘Pakistan zindabhaag’ trends after Babar Azam-led team faces imminent World Cup elimination

On Friday, in a comical farewell gesture, former Indian opener Virender Sehwag bid adieu to Pakistan’s World Cup journey with “Pakistan Zindabhaag”, adding a touch of humour to their impending exit after a crucial semifinal loss. The showdown at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Thursday saw New Zealand secure a decisive victory over Sri Lanka, leaving Pakistan on the brink of elimination. The Kiwi bowlers dismissed Sri Lanka for 171 runs, and New Zealand effortlessly chased down the target in just 23.2 overs.

Known for his wit, Sehwag took to Instagram to humorously say goodbye to the Pakistani team. Alongside an image with a blunt “Bye Bye Pakistan,” Sehwag cheekily wished them a safe journey back home. However, injecting sarcasm, Sehwag playfully twisted the popular slogan “Pakistan Zindabaad” (Long Live Pakistan) in his tweet to “Pakistan Zindabhaag!” loosely translating to “Pakistan, run away alive” and added, “Wishing you a safe flight back home.”

View His Tweet Here:

Pakistan Zindabhaag!
Have a safe flight back home . pic.twitter.com/7QKbLTE5NY

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) November 10, 2023

Sehwag also playfully teased that whichever team Pakistan supports seems to adopt their playing style. He remarked, “The special thing about Pakistan is that the team they support starts playing like Pakistan.”

Pakistan ki khaas baat hai ki jis team ko Pakistan support karti hai, woh team Pakistan ki tarah khelne lagti hai 😂.
Sorry Sri Lanka. https://t.co/Qv960oju2m

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) November 10, 2023

As the World Cup 2023 semifinal lineups take shape, India is set to face New Zealand in a repeat of the 2019 World Cup semifinals at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on November 15. The second semifinal will witness a clash between South Africa and Australia at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens on November 16. The highly anticipated final is scheduled for November 19 at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium.

While India holds two ODI World Cup titles, South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia are still vying for their first. Australia remains the most successful team in the tournament’s history, boasting an impressive tally of five 50-over World Cups (1987, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2015).