Unbounded pleasure: Afghanistan followers celebrating their aspect’s victory towards Sri Lanka.
| Photo Credit: VEDHAN M
As Afghanistan outmuscled Sri Lanka to a convincing seven-wicket win in the ODI World Cup at the MCA Stadium in Pune on Monday, a smattering of Afghan followers in the stands have been dancing in pleasure. To be truthful, they have been on it for some time.
Comprising principally of Pune-based college students, these followers have been relishing one more praise-worthy efficiency from their aspect because it put itself in the fray for a semifinal end.
Clad in their native flags, the Afghan followers have been egged on by a well-prepared stadium DJ, who whipped out Afghani songs ceaselessly.
Nostalgia
“These are songs from our childhood. It reminds us of our homeland. How can we not dance to it,” stated Iqbal, an Afghan pupil from Pune University.
The exuberance of the Afghan followers quickly rubbed onto the native crowd, who slowly started to align themselves with Hashmatullah Shahidi’s aspect and celebrated its exploits as if it was their personal crew.
After a tricky initiation into World Cup cricket – it received just one recreation in the 2015 and 2019 editions mixed – Afghanistan has come alive this time, securing historic wins over defending champion England and Pakistan, earlier than its Lankan conquest.
For most of the Afghan followers, this was the first alternative to see their beloved crew in flesh and blood and the timing couldn’t have been higher.
Belief
“We are really happy with the side’s performance. We believe we are going to the semifinal. Our bowlers are amazing and our batting is also not bad. We have a good chance,” stated Iqbal.
“Almost all of us used to play cricket in Afghanistan. Here also we play with our friends. It is one of the few things which helps us stay connected to our home,” added Iqbal.
A number of Afghan followers additionally drew the consideration of the crowd on account of their dapper look. Hasan Anwari, one other Pune University pupil, was always fielding selfie requests from Indian followers.
“The love that the Afghanistan team and fans have received from India during the World Cup is incredible. It makes us feel more at home here,” stated Hasan.
