123 Kolkata: The city buzzed in anticipation of a thrilling Sunday encounter between the ‘greatest rivals' as India and Pakistan were set to clash in a do-or-die battle in the Champions Trophy in Dubai. Fans in Kolkata set aside all engagements and planned to watch the Men in Blue demolish their arch-rivals at homes, clubs, and restobars. While restaurants got ready with special offers for fans and expected a rise in footfall, India jerseys flew off the shelves at Maidan market.
Techie Souvik Basu, a Behala resident, cancelled a lunch appointment to make sure he caught all the action beginning with the toss. "An Indo-Pak match isn't just about the game. It starts in the minds of the fans, and I can't wait for the action. I hope India bats second tomorrow and chases down the Pak total. The pitch seemed to be a slow and low-scoring one during the Bangladesh match on Friday. So, it could get difficult if Pakistan puts up a big total," said Basu.
A group of fans from Kolkata and Mumbai, who call themselves ‘Twelfth Man', reached Dubai on Saturday afternoon. They met for a party with the Bharat Army – a travelling band of India supporters – and geared up for the match. "We will start for the stadium an hour before the match and make sure we are there right from the toss. We will sing the National Anthem and cheer for India. It will be a big party and hopefully end with an Indian victory," said Mahesh Punjabi, an entrepreneur from Kolkata who is part of the group.
Three of them flew from Kolkata on Saturday, while four others joined from Mumbai. Tarun Daga, another Kolkata entrepreneur who flew to Dubai, said he looked forward to an ‘experience to cherish'. "The teams are evenly matched, and since Pakistan lost the first match, they will play for survival. India needs to bowl well and strike early. Though we are missing Bumrah, Shami & Co should do the job. The rest is in the hands of Rohit Sharma, Gill, and Kohli," he said.
Songhai and MS Bar & Lounge in central Kolkata will offer a free small drink for every boundary hit by Indian batters and a large peg for every six struck by the Men in Blue. "The offer will begin as soon as the match starts. For every wicket taken by India, too, we will offer a free drink to our customers. We have big screens and expect a surge in footfall. If India bats second, the crowd could be even bigger," said owner Sudesh Poddar.
Jadavpur resident Soumyadeep Ghoshal plans to watch the game with friends at home. "We will have lunch together before the match, and once the toss happens, it will be just cricket. We will cheer for India, and it could be a tense affair," added Soumyadeep. The friends have got India jerseys from Maidan market and will wear them during the match.
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