WATCH: Black cat halts Pakistan vs New Zealand tri-series final, video goes viral

Pakistan and New Zealand faced each other in the tri-nation final, at the National Stadium in Karachi, on Friday, February 14. The high-voltage clash, however, was interrupted by the arrival of a black cat. The feline made his way onto the field, seemingly enjoying the spotlight, and came near the pitch during the second innings as New Zealand were in pursuit of a 243-run target.

Interestingly, this was the second time the cat, who had become a crowd favourite, had disrupted play on the day of the final. Earlier, during Pakistan's innings, it had wandered onto the field. However, it was chased away, not by security personnel, but by a kite descending precariously close to the field.

The commentators cherished the unexpected intervention. "Joining the BlackCaps is the black cat," joked veteran New Zealand commentator Danny Morrison, while another colleague noted that the feline had become a permanent fixture at the National Stadium, which was renovated ahead of the Champions Trophy.

Shaheen Shah Afridi, who was positioned at mid-on, was assigned the duty of chasing the cat away when it appeared for the second time. The left-arm pacer only took a couple of steps before the cat decided to exit the field on its own terms. Both teams resumed competing for the title after this unexpected halt in play.

Check out the viral black cat moment here:

Pakistan were bowled out for 242 in 49.3 overs after winning the toss and opting to bat first. Mohammad Rizwan (46) and Salman Ali Agha (45) were the top-scorers for the hosts but they couldn't convert their starts into big scores like in the previous game. William O'Rourke was the pick of the bowlers for the Kiwis as he bagged four wickets, conceding 43 runs in 9.3 overs.

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In reply, New Zealand lost the wicket of Will Young in the second over. However, Devon Conway and Kane Williamson steadied the ship with a 71-run partnership. After Williamson was dismissed for 34, Daryl Mitchell joined Conway at the crease. The southpaw departed two runs short of his fifth ODI half-century. Mitchell and Tom Latham scored fluent half-centuries, adding a match-winning 87-run partnership off 88 balls.

Glenn Phillips put the finishing touches as the touring side reached home in the 46th over with five wickets to spare. Mitchell top-scored with a 58-ball 57, while Latham made 56 off 64 deliveries.