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Now for the icing on the cake
India versus pakistan at the Wanderers on Monday. A dream World Twenty20 final. More good news: The indian camp is in high spirits, confidence levels are sky high.
On saturday, it all came together in Durban. The fans mobbed the team bus after the win against Australia. Sehwag tossed his team shirt at the screaming hordes from the players area at Kingsmead. Chants of ‘India zindabad’ rent the air.
At the team hotel, drum beats, dancing and feverish chanting greeted the team. The players did not try to duck the limelight. Irfan pathan raised a clenched fist as he waded through the crowds. Dhoni embraced well wishers.
The celebrations were more privite: The palyers sang and danced in their rooms late into the night. But when they did come down to the jewel of India restaurant, the crowds were still there. Some mobbed Dhoni, saying they had travelled 300 miles to shake his hand and watch India win.The skipper obliged each and every one of them.
Harbhajan said: “We have proved many people wrong.” Yuvaraj accepted every congratulatory pat on the back, turning around to chat. The players resembeld a team of true winners, accepted and accessible, with total belief in their abilities.But this twent20, and past results don’t matter. Dhoni knows as much.”The less we think, the better,” he said.”In cricket, a man reacts according to pressure. History doesn’t matter. Itihaas bhi kabhi pehlibar hua tha. We have to do well on the field.”
Expect an action packed encounter on Monday, but also expect a battle between unpredictables. Both teams, after being knocked out early during the World Cup in the West in the west Indies, are looking to redeem their reputations. Both enjoy a sizeable fan following in these parts.Still, India have more in their favour than just the odds. As cricket manager Lalchand Rajput said: “This team has tremendous self belief.” And, according to team manager Sunil Dev: “We can win. India have never lost to Pakistan in a World Cup.”