Fans in Pakistan were left crestfallen on Monday following their team’s defeat to arch-rival India in the T20 World Cup, with some declaring their tournament hopes dashed after just two matches.
“Cricket is over for Pakistan,” lamented a spectator in Rawalpindi, part of a disheartened crowd that departed a large-screen viewing event before the match concluded.
Sunday night saw a wave of hopeful fans pour into the 15,000-capacity Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, eager for a triumph from captain Babar Azam’s embattled team in a game played far away in New York.
Despite high expectations, the match ended in disappointment as India edged out Pakistan by six runs in a low-scoring, tense encounter on a challenging pitch. As the clock ticked past midnight, frustrated supporters threw plastic bottles at the screens.
This defeat came on the heels of Pakistan’s stunning loss to the USA on Thursday, where the debutant co-hosts triumphed over the 2022 finalists and 2009 champions in a Super Over thriller in Texas.
The intense cricket rivalry between Pakistan and India is one of the greatest in international sports, captivating millions across both nations, which together account for over 1.6 billion people.
These matches draw enormous viewership, though the teams only face off in major tournaments and neutral venues due to long-standing political tensions.
For more details: T20 World Cup: Pakistan Captain Babar Azam reflects on batting struggles against India
Sunday’s encounter was the 13th T20 match between the nuclear-armed neighbors, with India now leading the series with ten wins out of these contests.
The rivalry’s intensity was palpable at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, where India’s national anthem was silenced on the big screens, and fans lined up outside as a rain-delayed coin toss prolonged the anticipation.
As the game commenced, green spotlights illuminated the night sky, and Pakistani flags waved energetically in stands named after cricket legends like Imran Khan and Shoaib Akhtar.
Early on, the stadium echoed with whistles, chants, and cheers. However, as the night wore on and Pakistan struggled to chase down India’s total of 119 runs, a somber atmosphere descended.
