Patna: Public squares and local markets across Patna have turned into hubs of anticipation as the city prepares for Sunday’s crucial Super 8 clash between India and the West Indies. With a semifinal berth at stake in this virtual knockout encounter, fans have organised local screenings, while hotels and restaurants are set to host public viewings. For a city known for its deep-rooted cricket culture, Sunday’s result will determine not only India’s trajectory in the tournament but also the mood of the state capital for the week ahead.In the city’s commercial centres, the atmosphere is equally electric. Nagesh Roy, an executive at a well-known hotel in Patna, said the match would be screened in two of their restaurants. However, he added that special preparations for screening arrangements and the menu would be made if India reach the final.
The excitement is particularly heightened by the local connection to the field. Suresh Rai, a cricket enthusiast, said, “I cannot wait to watch Ishan Kishan play. It is not only entertaining to watch him, but his fearless mindset is what attracts fans like us; moreover, he is one of us. It is wonderful to watch Bihar being represented on a world stage. Moreover, I am fairly optimistic about India winning tomorrow because Eden is a good batting field and a high-scoring ground. Bumrah is always a delight to watch, but Varun Chakravarty is who I am counting on for the match tomorrow.”Echoing this sense of regional pride, Priya Verma of Patna Women’s College said although she does not usually follow cricket, major tournaments draw her attention. “I love to watch Kishan hit sixes and fours in the matches. A special connection and feeling rise when I watch Kishan score big, as he is a Bihari. When Bihari rocks, other flops,” Verma added.Strategic expectations are also running high among residents. Akash Sharma, a resident of Bailey Road, said, “Suryakumar Yadav is our anchor. I am looking forward to his captaincy and decision-making skills for tomorrow, especially because it is a do-or-die match.”Across neighbourhoods, residents are making detailed plans to ensure they do not miss a single moment of the action. “Being a holiday on Sunday, I have planned to watch the India vs West Indies T20-T20 cricket match with my friends at home. It will be great fun to watch the match with snacks and soft drinks. We hope to enjoy the win of the Indian team,” said Sameer Upadhyay, a resident of Punaichak.The enthusiasm is visible on Boring Road as well. “Patna’s cricket fever is on! Can’t wait to cheer for Team India against the West Indies with friends at a local café,” said Roshan Rai, a Boring Road resident. “The match is going to be a cracker! I’ll be hosting a match-viewing party at the café,” he added.
