The Rohit Sharma-led Indian team kickstarted their World Cup campaign on a winning note as they outplayed Pakistan by four wickets at MCG on Sunday. Virat Kohli’s magical unbeaten 82-run knock helped India win the game. India’s outstanding performance against Pakistan doubled up Diwali celebrations across the country.
Fans started dancing and vibing at the MCG even before the match started between India and Pakistan on Sunday. A video of thousands of Indian fans outside the stadium and inside singing the Indian national anthem "Jana Gana Mana" in unison has also emerged.
After the Men in Blue prevailed in the final over against their arch rivals, the MCG echoed with the 90,293 fans (official attendance) singing the popular Bollywood song 'Chak De India' on top of their voices.
Virat Kohli stated, “I have no words, no idea how that happened. I am really lost for words. Hardik believed we can do it, if we stayed till the end”.
The Indian skipper Rohit Sharma also stated in a post-match presentation, “Those two guys (Kohli and Pandya) are experienced. Staying calm and taking the game deep was very critical. Good for our confidence. Always crucial to get off the mark like this. We were in no position to win this. The way we won that's more pleasing for us. Hats off to Virat for the way he batted, has to be the best innings he has played for India. I would like to thank everyone, it's wonderful to see. Their support for us is very, very crucial wherever we go”.
India will be next facing the Netherlands on Thursday at the Sydney Cricket Ground.