City tunes in as India beats Pakistan in 1st cricket match after Pahalgam

Kolkata: While it was expected due to India's growing strength that has widened the gulf between the arch-rivals, the Men in Blue's triumph over Pakistan in the Asia Cup was celebrated across the city on Sunday night.

Crackers were burst, and fans streamed onto the streets with the Tricolour to celebrate India's first win over Pakistan post-Pahalgam and Operation Sindoor. Cricket fans erupted in joy as skipper Suryakumar Yadav struck a six off spinner Muqim to finish the match.

Despite calls to boycott the match, for cricket fans, it was yet another triumph to cherish as India marched ahead in their quest for the Asia Cup. Shopping malls, neighbourhood clubs, several restaurants, and nightclubs erected big screens.

Kolkata entrepreneur Mahesh Punjabi, who watched the match from the stands at the Dubai stadium with 11 friends, said the atmosphere was electric, though more subdued than on previous occasions. "With Pandya claiming a wicket off the second ball, India started with a bang. Bumrah followed with another wicket, and the crowd went wild. The ambience was just as invigorating as always but a little hesitant. It was still Indo-Pak cricket at its best. India's victory was well deserved," said Punjabi.

Fans started streaming in from early evening at Songhai and Manthan in central Kolkata, which had multiple screens. "We offered a free drink for every six hit by India. That apart, we served Bumrah fried chicken and Gill grilled fish during the course of the match. We had a full house at all our three restaurants, including MS Bar & Lounge. Footfalls have been steadily rising as we approach puja, and it reached a peak during the match," said owner Sudesh Poddar.

Amherst Street Pallir Jubak Brinda Club organised a yajna praying for an Indian victory. Cut-outs of Gill, Bumrah, and Kohli were garlanded.

"Around 40 club members watched the match together and cheered for India. This match was special since it was the first since Operation Sindoor, and we triumphed again. We played as expected and showed Pakistan who's the boss on and off the field," said club joint secretary Indranil Chakrabarty.

Puja shoppers stopped in their tracks at South City Mall to catch Bumrah in action. "It's a treat to watch him bowl, and I couldn't resist but defer my window shopping to watch him," said Raja Mitra, a shopper. A loud cheer went up as Fakhar Zaman was caught off Axar Patel.

Techie Souvik Basu watched the match at home with friends, cheering for Bumrah as he went on a yorker rampage.

"We planned this get-together for a while. An Indo-Pak match is a perfect entertainer on a Sunday evening, though the contests are no longer close. This match was special, being the first after the April terror attack, and we needed to win it. The script unfolded just the way we would have liked," said Basu.