It is Cricket that won the Nidahas Trophy!

Every corner of the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo vibrated with cheers “India……India,” “We want sixer,” and much more. Dinesh Karthik on behalf of the Indian team held the bat on one side as the sweat on his forehead fell down out of tension. Bangladesh’s Rubel Hossain bowled the last ball. Many chose to close either their eyes or ears. A heart beating moment! And ….it struck a “SIXER.” Loudest applause, tears and cheers and hugs was what every single person at the stadium could notice.

What really happened?

On the 16th of March, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh played the Nidahas Trophy semi-finals match which ended with a lot of controversies.  Bangaladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan’s gesture calling the batsmen to come off the field after a argumentative umpiring decision followed by the ‘Naagini’ dance and the speculations over the wrecked dressing-room glass, brought shame and awkwardness to the Bangladesh team.  Though the team felt apologetic after the incident which went viral, the Sri Lankan fans and the fans around the world could not accept the insult. 

In return, this gave the Indian team an overwhelming support, which was very much expected and acceptable. But what was unexpected is the last thunderous sixer from Dinesh Karthik. “Surprised and impressed by the turnout, considering Sri Lanka aren’t playing, but not surprised by whom they are supporting,” Russel Arnold, former Sri Lanka cricketer and the current commentator said.

This match was very similar to the India-Paksitan Match, a nail biting one. "The crowd was brilliant, it was magnificent. We didn't feel that we were playing outside India,” Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma stated.Social media was flooded with the pictures of Dinesh Karthik, the victory of the Indian team and fan photo moments. Meme’s of the Nagini dances and the defeat of the Bangladesh team circulated rapidly. Some even pointed out that this is a good chance for Sri Lanka to sign agreements with India. 

Following the victory, Ravi Shastri the legendary player and the current head coach of the Indian cricket team gathered the players and took the team on a tour around the stadium to show their gratitude to the energetic and massive crowd. The fans were over excited, shouting out names, giving flying kisses and chanting phrases. 

Fans all over the world were awe struck with the pictures of the diehard fans of the Sri Lankan and the Indian team Mohammed Nilam and Sudhir Kumar Gautam hugging each other out of joyousness. The fan moment was one of the greatly captured highlights of the Nidahas Trophy Final match, showing the unity of the long lasting friendship. Firecrackers were lit and bands with Hindi songs went loud outside the stadium, proving the passion for cricket. Indeed, it is not the victory of India, but a victory of and for ‘Cricket’.