Tragic truth behind fan's viral moment at World Cup

Australia defeated Pakistan at the ODI World Cup after a monster innings from David Warner, but it was a priceless moment from a fan and the meaning behind it that has won the hearts of viewers around the globe.

The moment came when Asif Ali dropped Warner, his second dropped catch of the day, and the cameras panned to the fielder on the boundary.

But Pakistan’s new superfan was spotted in the background with his hands on his hips and a look of disbelief.

But instead of getting angry, he spun around and remained calm.

The moment left the commentators in stitches and prompted the broadcaster to send reporter Zainab Abbas to interview the man.

But the man’s response won the hearts of fans watching the World Cup as he refused to heckle a player having just been through a family tragedy.

“It was just a straightforward catch,” he said.

“It was really disappointing to see it happen right in front of me getting dropped. It probably showed all over my face.

“I could see it land on his hand and then he dropped it, so it was really disappointing to see it happen right in front of me. And I couldn’t say anything because he had just come off a family tragedy, so I didn’t shout at him.”

Ali was only recently re-called to the Pakistan World Cup squad after the death of his 19-month old daughter from cancer.

Warner blasts remarkable century

Warner's century had marked his first since he returned to the Australian side from his 12-month ban, as he dominated on the drive and punished Pakistan's bowlers whenever they erred in their length.

His 111-ball knock also answered questions about his scoring rate in emphatic fashion, as he and Finch (82) combined for a 146-run opening stand.

But after Glenn Maxwell (20) threw his wicket when he was clean bowled trying to go big, Shaun Marsh (23) and Usman Khawaja (18) both struggled to get going before falling to left-armer Amir (5-30).

"I still think I left a lot out there," Warner said.

"You know, 70 balls to go. And with the weather, trying to build partnerships again, I probably hold responsible for the way we fell apart there."

The result puts Australia second behind New Zealand, with England and India in third and fourth but with games in hand.

With AAP