Pakistanis stream onto streets over cricket victory
KARACHI: The people on Sunday swarmed the streets and exploded firecrackers across the country to celebrate the 159-run victory in the sixth one-day match between Pakistan and India at Delhi’s Ferozeshah Kotla ground.
“The team has performed superbly, the nation is proud,” said Haris Ghazi, who led a procession of motorbikes in Karachi. People at several places watched the match on giant screens while luxury hotels and leisure clubs, calling it a ‘Super Sunday’ in India-Pakistan cricket history, had cooked special dishes for cricket lovers.
Pakistan set a challenging 303 target in the allotted 50 overs with Shoaib Malik, Yousuf Youhana and captain Inzamamul Haq smashing half centuries and bundled out India for a 159 in 37 overs. “The team is maturing fast and all those who termed it the weakest team ever to tour India are forced to take back their words,” said Mujtaba Ikram.
In Lahore, youth playing cricket at a park danced with joy on each wicket India lost in New Delhi. They chanted slogans praising Inzamam, Shahid Afridi and Rana Navedul Hasan for their performances.
“A one-day series win in presence of President General Pervez Musharraf in India, could ensure huge bonus for the players from the president,” Rizwan Ali said. Supporters will give the players a warm welcome when they return home on Monday. Pakistan came from behind after losing the first two matches to wrap up their first tour to India in six years on high note.
Earlier, in an impressive fight back, Pakistan also levelled the three-match test series 1-1. “It’s a revenge win for us but thankfully the friendship between both countries is the real winner,” said Bilal Ahmed. “Its a fantastic and historic win,” said former Pakistani cricketer Javed Miandad. “Inzamam and his team deserve the applause for coming from behind.” afp