The Big Apple was in ecstasy after India won a closely fought T20 World Cup match against arch rivals Pakistan. The high-energy cricket match rocked the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. The tense World Cup match had New Yorkers on their toes and the dramatic ending was said to be more exciting than a Super Bowl victory.
How big was the India vs Pakistan match in New York?
The excitement ahead of the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan showdown was off the charts. Think Super Bowl, but more frenetic! That’s how a 29-year-old Pakistani fan, who travelled all the way from Baltimore just to soak up the atmosphere outside the stadium, described the event to the New York Post. “Think of it as the Super Bowl, but bigger than that,” he stressed, “and that’s what it is.” Even without a ticket, the excitement was palpable, proving the immense appeal of this historic showdown.
Also read: ‘Bumrah’s delivery was special’: Fans rejoice as India beats Pakistan in T20 World Cup
Known for its shocking headlines, the fierce match between India and Pakistan not only generated frenzied online and domestic TV buzz, but also a frenzied ticket scramble in New York. Such a matchup is so rare in history that New York City stadiums were sold out. For Rubal Sikka, who has been living in India for 25 years, watching the match live was an experience beyond his wildest dreams. In his high school days, he played cricket with friends at Eisenhower Park, but it was a far cry from the packed stadium atmosphere he witnessed on Sunday.
“Every Saturday and Sunday morning, everyone was there from 7am setting up the field and getting it ready for cricket,” Rubal told Reuters. “We never imagined that the players we idolize, the people we look up to, the athletes we play on the exact same ground that we play on,” he added.
Also read: T20 World Cup: India defeats Pakistan in thrilling low-scoring match
“Who cares about the weather? We’re here.”
The BBC reports that the match is crucial to the success of the US tournament, making it a crucial tournament. As rain threatens and cheers die down, the International Cricket Council can celebrate the realization of the American dream. There was no place to take shelter in the open stands before the match, but fans were still full of energy despite the rain.
“Who cares about the weather? I’m going to see Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah!” Arjun, who lives in New Jersey, told the BBC ahead of the match.
New York celebrates as India beats Pakistan
As India’s grip on the game loosened early, social media transformed from cricket chirps to a full-blown rock concert. But as the final moments passed, the atmosphere became charged with anticipation. When India finally clinched victory by six runs, America got its first taste of cricket fever. This high-energy India-Pakistan clash wasn’t just a game, it was a spectacle the likes of which America had never seen before.
“At first I thought it would be impossible, but then it really clicked towards the end… The fans were really excited, especially towards the end,” Aash Singh told the New York Post. “I was a little worried about whether the scaffolding would hold up, but it was fine.”
“I’ve never seen such great energy. It’s what I always expect in an India-Pakistan game. Great energy,” North Carolina’s Hem Nerkar said, adding that no one expected India to win like that.
“Most people in the US don’t even know about the sport of cricket. All of a sudden we see people from all over the US flocking to stadiums. It’s important for people to come together,” another added.
