Australian Mitchell Marsh throws during the second one-day international cricket match between India and Australia at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam on Sunday. | Photo Credit: KR DEEPAK
Thousands of cricket fans from all over Andhra Pradesh and beyond watched the second one day international (ODI) cricket match between India and Australia at the ACA VDCA YSR cricket ground in PM Palem on Sunday. Although the result of the match was disappointing, the fans had a good time cheering on their favorite players at the ODI match, hosted by the “city of destiny” after a three-year hiatus.
The day began with the fact that from 4 am the city witnessed bouts of rain. Although the rain intensified over the next few hours, it subsided and the skies cleared around 10:30 am, much to the relief of fans who began arriving at the stadium early in the morning. myself.
All the way from the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (IGZP) to the cricket ground were vendors selling Indian jerseys, caps, Indian flags and border shields. Some have set up stalls to paint the tricolor on the cheeks and arms of fans, at prices ranging from £30 to £50. Many spectators brought their message boards to their favorite players.
Applause for India reverberated throughout the stadium as the match kicked off, and by 13:30 the stands were dyed blue and hundreds of players were dressed in Indian jerseys.
What the fans are saying
“It was really disappointing as the 50 over ODI match was low scoring and low going. In both innings, not even 40 overs were scored. However, these things happen in cricket and we strongly believe that the Indian team will bounce back at the next ODI in Chennai,” said K. Shankar, who has come all the way from Kakinada.
Trinad Rao, 60, from Visalaksha Nagar, came to watch the match, along with his two teenage grandchildren, who had come from Palakollu.
My grandchildren are fans of Rohit and Virat Kohli. Ever since the match was announced in Visakhapatnam, they have been asking me to take them with me. Although it was a low score match, it was a great day for them to see their stars in person and cheer them on,” added Mr. Trinad Rao.
From the start of the match, people of all ages were jumping and dancing. Many were busy taking pictures of Virat Kohli. Although applause fell as the wickets collapsed, they rose again with sixes from Aksar Patel’s all-rounder at the end.
Food at high prices
Some viewers said that the food sold at the stadium was expensive and of poor quality. Toilets were also not properly maintained at several stands.
A large number of cricket fans tried to reach the premises to catch a glimpse of the players as they left the stadium. Vehicle traffic was well controlled by the police.
