India's thrilling victory over South Africa in the T20 World Cup final ignited frenzied celebrations across Dubai on Saturday night. Enthusiastic fans took to the streets, drummed, and sang into the night, marking a momentous win for Rohit Sharma's team. This victory, secured by a narrow seven-run margin in a dramatic final over, crowned India as the champions for the second time, ending a long drought in ICC tournaments.
As Hardik Pandya managed to hold off 16 runs in the crucial last over, the streets of Bur Dubai were filled with fans in blue jerseys, celebrating one of India's most significant victories on the international stage. Bhavesh D. Kikla, a Dubai resident, described the scene at Meena Bazar as electric, with people singing and dancing, making it feel like a celebration back home in India.
Kikla, who watched the nail-biting match with a group of friends, nearly left the club when South Africa seemed poised to win. However, the Indian bowlers turned the tide, adding an extra layer of excitement to the match. He was particularly awestruck by Suryakumar Yadav's incredible catch at the boundary, which sealed the victory for India.
Vikas Chandra, another Dubai resident, watched the game with friends at home, reminiscing about the journey to the final and praising the contributions of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja. Chandra, a fan of MS Dhoni, reflected on the legacy of these players and the new era that is set to begin.
Gopal Jasapara, a seasoned cricket coach in Dubai, commended Jasprit Bumrah's pivotal performance and Hardik Pandya's resilience, highlighting the team's unity and the transformative power of cricket.
Dishang Mehta, another fan, felt the victory was a fitting tribute to Virat Kohli, suggesting that his jersey number should be retired in honor of his legendary status.
