IND vs AUS Final: Sleepless India gears up for World Cup Title Clash

Throngs of fervent fans draped in blue India jerseys flooded the streets outside the world's largest cricket stadium in the early hours of Sunday, creating a spectacle of sleepless anticipation for the impending World Cup final. The roads were congested with flag-waving enthusiasts who couldn't contain their excitement, resulting in honking from drivers negotiating their way through the energetic crowd.

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Hours before the much-anticipated Sunday afternoon showdown between cricket powerhouse Australia and the cricket-crazy hosts, fans were already chanting slogans and engaging with roadside vendors. The culminating event of cricket's premier tournament, featuring 48 matches across 46 days at 10 venues with 10 teams, will reach its pinnacle at the colossal 132,000-seat arena named after Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ahmedabad, India's western city. As supporters from various corners of India and around the globe throng to witness the epic clash, the city is bustling, and some hotels are reportedly charging rates that are tenfold the usual prices.

Like a big Hindu festival

As the World Cup final's fervor reached a crescendo, reports emerged that numerous eager fans, desperate to secure accommodation, sought shelter in subsidized dormitories of local religious institutions. The atmosphere outside the stadium resembled a grand Hindu festival, with families and friends joining the celebratory mood. Suresh Raval, a 34-year-old local resident, likened the ambiance to a festive occasion. Despite their confidence in India's unbeaten record in the tournament and the anticipation of a triumph over Australia, Raval and his friend admitted to struggling with sleep, feeling fortunate to have secured two tickets for the game. While Raval didn't disclose the amount paid for the "priceless tickets," reports indicated that many fans shelled out 10 to 20 times the listed price for the cheapest ticket to witness the title clash.

Vijay Kumar, a fan from Andhra Pradesh, expressed the exhilaration of seeing fellow supporters wearing blue India jerseys on his flight to Ahmedabad. The festive atmosphere outside the stadium, hours before the match, conveyed a shared sense of hope and nervous excitement among fans.

The World Cup final is set to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles.

Dance and Music

The stadium, already filled with thousands of enthusiastic fans, is set to offer a spectacle beyond the cricket match itself. Attendees can anticipate an air force flypast, a dazzling light and laser show, and captivating performances by hundreds of dancers showcasing Bollywood hits between innings.

While Sahil Khanna, a 48-year-old fan from New Delhi, acknowledged the entertainment value of the additional elements, he emphasized that the primary focus remains on the game and India's success. Khanna, who arrived at the stadium on Saturday night, expressed the palpable festival-like atmosphere, surrounded by hawkers selling snacks, India-themed merchandise, and the bustling discussions among fans about the upcoming match.

Despite India's cricketing prowess, the nation has been without a major international title since the 2013 Champions Trophy, intensifying national expectations. Amidst the festive ambiance in Ahmedabad, adorned with colorful lights and prominent cutouts of cricket stars, tens of thousands of security forces have been deployed to ensure the safety of the massive crowd, both within the stadium and in the surrounding streets where additional fans may gather if India secures victory.

Also Read: IND vs AUS Final: ICC World Cup 2023 guide to Telecast and Streaming Details

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