A masked pitch invader breaches the security cordon at Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad during the World Cup final on Sunday and runs across the field to a startled Virat Kohli, managing to put an arm around him and stand with a hand on his shoulder before being overpowered by the security staff.

Initially, he patted Kohli’s back and tried hugging the Indian batter, but was shooed away before the security personnel rushed to the scene.

A masked pitch invader wearing a t-shirt saying ‘Stop Bombing Palestine’ runs on to the pitch as Virat Kohli looks on during the ICC Cricket World Cup final between Australia and India in Ahmedabad. PTI photos

Identified as Wayne Johnson, an Australian of Chinese-Filipino origin, he was wearing a mask with the design of the Palestine flag and his T-shirt had the slogans ‘Stop bombing Palestine’ and ‘Save Palestine’ inscribed on the front and back.

The incident took place in the 14th over when a fan managed to give the security cordon a miss and make his way on the field.

“My name is John... I am from Australia. I entered to meet Virat Kohli. I support Palestine,” he was quoted as saying by ANI. He has been arrested.