Kol bleeds blue as India finish on top of the world

Kolkata: The city swarmed around screens, big and small, to catch India cross the final hurdle and witnessed another famous triumph by the Men in Blue who hammered New Zealand bowlers to submission on Sunday, making them wilt, bow and run for cover as India lifted the T20 World Cup in Ahmedabad. As two toe-crushing yorkers by Jasprit Bumrah sealed the match in the 16th over and Suryakumar Yadav's men restricting New Zealand to 159 runs, ensuring a sweet victory, the city spilled on to the streets with flags, as thousands danced to the beat of drums, screamed out in joy, wrapped themselves in Tricolour and burst crackers. Delirious fans partied through the night as the city stayed awake. The scenes were reminiscent of the June 2024 night when India had won the last T20 World Cup.Kolkata fans had kept their fingers crossed as India aimed to ‘repeat and defeat history' — none had won a T20 World Cup at home or two consecutive ones. The venue had kept the superstitious fans anxious since India had lost the 2023 World Cup here despite being overwhelming favourites. But Abhishek and Samson closed the match with their meaty blows making New Zealand scurry for cover. They let India ‘keep the Cup'. For fans, it was a long night of celebrations.It was cricket everywhere — homes, malls, restaurants, clubs and neighbourhoods fixed their gaze on screens as everything came to a standstill. From north to south, roads emptied out and cricket took over. As Abhishek Sharma clobbered Matt Henry and Duffy for sixes, scores gathered in front of the big screen at South City mall broke into a thunderous cheer. At Ahiritolla, locals gathered in front of a big screen broke into a roar as Samson pummeled the Kiwi bowlers, powering India to 92 in 6 overs.Kolkata boy Rishabh Ghosh Dastidar, now settled in Mumbai, huddled with friends at his home, praying fervently for an India win. "Both teams gave it their best shot to redemption — for India's 2023 heartbreak and for the Kiwis who still look at redeeming themselves from their loss at the 2019 World Cup final that went down to the wire. But in the end, it was India and what a relief," he said.As Ishan Kishan took a stunner off Jasprit Bumrah to dismiss Rachin Ravindra, fans applauded at a packed Calcutta Rowing Club where members had crowded near a giant screen. Every Indian run drew a cheer and every six triggered a deafening roar at Behala Club where locals jostled in front of a TV. "As India inched closer to victory, we stayed put on our seats. As the final ball was bowled, we broke into a wild celebration," said Sayantan Bhattacharjee, assistant secretary, Behala Club.Entrepreneur Mahesh Punjabi heaved a sigh of relief at the victory. "The Indian batting has fired well throughout with Samson, Tilak, Dube, Hardik, all making useful contributions. Tonight, it was absolute carnage with Abhishek racing to the fastest 50 of this Cup and Samson hammering Kiwis. It was still touch and go for the Kiwis are tough opponents. But in the end India prevailed for our players won the key moments," said Punjabi.Fans had been debating if out-of-touch Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakravarthy should be played. With both making the cut, cynics were skeptical. "It was like playing with two players short. But they put their hands up on the big night when it mattered most," gushed bank employee Kawshik Dutta.Anil Punhabi, chairman east of Travel agents Federation of India, said: "Watching it with friends made the experience even more special. We cheered together, celebrated every big shot, and soaked in the excitement of a magnificent Indian batting performance."Bars and restaurants spilled over with fans cheering India over food and drinks. From nightclubs of Sector V to fine-dining restaurants in south Kolkata, cricket fans savoured the final and the tense moments. "What a fabulous display of batting by Team India led by a brilliant Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson," said Sreeraj Mitra, COO of a communications consultancy firm, who watched the game at Chapter 2.Techie Souvik De stayed put on the same chair at his home till the match ended. "I loved watching Abhishek strike his way back to form while Samson hammered the Kiwis. Ishan Kishan and Dube, too, chipped in with useful knocks. It was a power-packed performance. The bowling was up to the mark with Bumrah & Co playing their role to perfection. It was a memorable night that will be remembered long," said De.(Inputs from Suman Chakraborti)