Cricket fans in the city and suburban areas celebrated Indian victory in the semi final world cup match with Pakistan held at Mohali. Many marched in the street, distributing sweets and shouting slogans with crackers in support of Indian team, despite of assembly election reheat. Regular evening train passengers at the station didn’t miss the crucial part of the match. They assembled in group in front of Railway television sets.
The fans assembled in front of the television sets, watching India vs. Pakistan match on the platform at Kozhikode railway station, in the night. When India took the fifth wicket, one of the cricket fans assembled there, offered soft drinks to his friends.
Rakesh, native of Kozhikode said,” India could have performed better if paid little more attention.” In the beginning, he blamed Captain M. S. Dhoni for not rising up to the situation. As the captain, he could have used more tactics in bowling and fielding – he commented. He had been watching the match since he got down from Chennai Superfast in the evening after his office work at Thalassery.
Gradually he cooled down when Sachin and Raina contributed for a great win.
Spectators were seen up roaring and applauding when Pakistan’s top players fall down.
“If I moved directly to home, I could have lost the decisive moments in the match. So I stayed here to view it.”-said Rakesh.
Some of his friends were also present to watch the exciting match there. When India took impressive lead sms and calls streamed into his mobile from his friends away. Some of the fans took bet among their friends.
Ranjith, another cricket fan of Malappuram expressed the thrill of watching cricket match among the people. He watched the game at the railway until the match was over.
When India declared to be the winner with 29 runs against the traditional rival, the passion was outpoured with scream and whistle. Most of the cricket lovers supported Sachin Tendulkar and Suresh Raina thanks to their decisive contribution even under heavy pressure.
There were many outstation employees who used the available facilities in the city to watch one of the breath- taking matches in the world cup series. India will take on Sri Lanka in the final world cup cricket match on Saturday at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
