From neighbourhood clubs and pubs in Kol to Colombo stands, fans ride on Blue wave as India thrash Pakistan in no-handshake T20 clash
Times of India | 16 February 2026
Kolkata: As Hardik Pandya castled Usman Tariq, Kolkata burst into a wild celebration with crackers, Tricolours and victory processions to mark yet another victory against the arch-rivals in a T20 WC match that was nearly called off and had to be revived through sub-continental diplomacy. The contest was one-sided and the following across the city was as widespread and intense as ever. Streets emptied out as people huddled in homes, pubs, restaurants, nightclubs and malls to catch the blockbuster that ended with an Indian victory.
It was the big night the city had been waiting for and it got off to a disappointing start with Abhishek Sharma losing his wicket in the very first over. The innings was steadied by Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma with Kishan hitting multiple sixes. A roar reverberated across neighbourhoods as he swept Abrar Ahmed for a maximum.
"It was a slow start but India did well to catch up. Kishan was explosive at the start and provided the right launch," said Rudrani, a youngster who watched the match at South City mall with friend Sabyasachi.
Entrepreneur Mahesh Punjabi, who watched the match with friends, said the turning ball did the trick. "Their spinners bowled well and it was clear that our tweakers, too, will do well. It had seemed that India's total was a tad short but Bumrah's double strike at the start of Pakistan innings pegged them back. Thereafter, our spinners rolled them over. It turned out to be an unexpected one sided victory," he said.
"Rivalry aside, what an incredible cricket. India-Pakistan matches always bring unmatched energy. Win or lose, this is what makes cricket beautiful — passion, pride and unforgettable moments," said Agnitro Ghosh, an IT employee.
Every Indian six fetched a free drink at Songhai and MS Bar & Lounge in central Kolkata that resembled a stadium. "It was a tight contest and the match swung both ways. We had a full house throughout the evening," said owner Sudesh Poddar.
The scene was similar at Café Mezzuna in South City mall where, too, every boundary and six struck by Indian batters earned fans a drink. And there were plenty of them. Every Pakistani wicket, too, got visitors a drink at Hoppipola.
Chapter 2 at Southern Avenue remained choc-a-bloc with cricket fans who cheered every Indian run. "We are enjoying the high-octane match over food and drinks. It's turning out to be a close contest. But a thoroughly enjoyable evening, ending with an Indian victory," said Dipannita Choudhury, who spent the evening with her family at Chapter 2.
Samar Kumar Ghosh enjoyed the match in the company of friends at the Calcutta Rowing Club. "I loved the way it turned out to be a contest between the spinners instead of just the batters hitting big. In the end, our bowling effort turned out to be better. It was a great game," said Ghosh.
Cocktails at Chapter 2 have been christened Sixer, Square Cut, Hitwicket and Googly. It is also offering free starters with beer and has a 2:1 offer on select brands of liquor during the match. The stop-start Indian innings swung fans between agony and ecstasy. "This was a difficult track to bat on but Indian batters did their best. In the end, it turned out to be good enough," said Ujjal Kumar Bose, CRC member.