Ranchi: Cricket fever is set to turn the city into a sea of blue ahead of the crucial ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Super 8 match between India and West Indies on Sunday evening.With India’s semi-final prospects hinging on the encounter, cricket fans across the capital are rearranging routines, planning gatherings and preparing for what many are calling a make-or-break night. A defeat could leave India’s qualification dependent on other results, adding to the tension.
Many residents said they plan to finish household chores and errands early to avoid missing the toss. While there are no large public screening announcements yet, several cafes in the city have indicated they expect higher footfall than usual. In many neighbourhoods, friends and families are choosing to gather at home, turning living rooms into mini stadiums for the evening.“Because it’s a Sunday, we’ve decided to dedicate the whole evening to the match. We’ll wrap up lunch early and meet at a friend’s place for the screening,” said Ankit Sinha, a young professional from Bariatu. College student and hosteller Riya Sharma said she is especially excited to watch Jharkhand’s Ishan Kishan in action. “Whenever Ishan plays, it feels personal for us in Ranchi. We’ll be cheering the loudest for him and hoping he delivers a match-winning performance,” she said.Restaurants, hotels and gyms across Ranchi are also gearing up for the clash. Many eateries are arranging larger screens and extra seating, while fitness centres are adjusting timings so members can watch together. Firecracker sellers in Upper Bazar have stocked up, anticipating celebratory demand if India wins. Even small neighbourhood shops are making arrangements with extra seating and television access, expecting locals to gather there in the evening to watch the match together.
