Because the Afghanistan bowlers grappled the Sri Lankan batters to a chokehold in an ODI World Cup on the MCA Stadium in Pune on Monday, a smattering of Afghan followers within the stands have been dancing in pleasure.
Comprising largely of Pune-based college students, these followers have been relishing one more praise-worthy efficiency from their facet because it restricted Sri Lanka to 241, to place itself ready of energy within the semifinal race.
Cladded of their native flags, the Afghan followers have been egged on by a well-researched stadium DJ, who whipped out Afghani songs on the fall of each Sri Lankan wicket, a lot to the enjoyment of the Afghanis.
“These are songs from our childhood. It reminds us of our homeland. How can we not dance to it,” mentioned Iqbal, an Afghani scholar from Pune College.
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The exuberance of the Afghan followers quickly rubbed onto the native crowd, who slowly started to align themselves with Hashmatullah Shahidi’s facet and celebrated its exploits as if it was their very own staff.
After a tricky initiation into ODI World Cup cricket – it received just one sport within the 2015 and 2019 editions – Afghanistan has come alive this time, securing historic wins over England and Pakistan.
For many of the Afghan followers right here, this was the primary alternative to see their staff in flesh and blood and the timing couldn’t have been higher.
“We’re actually proud of the staff’s efficiency. We imagine we’re going to the semifinal. Our bowlers are superb and our batting can also be not dangerous. We’ve probability,” mentioned Iqbal.
“Nearly all of us used to play cricket in Afghanistan. Right here additionally we play with our associates. It is among the few issues which helps us keep related to our house,” added Iqbal.
A couple of Afghan followers additionally drew the eye of the gang as a consequence of their dapper appearances. Hasan Anwari, one other Pune College scholar, was always fielding selfie requests from Indian followers.
“The love that the Afghanistan staff and followers have obtained from India through the World Cup is unbelievable. It makes us really feel extra at house right here,” mentioned Hasan.