Supporters said the team’s solid batting show and a composed chase in the semi-final restored confidence that India can go all the way. Several fans in the capital city performed special rituals, while many thronged sports shops, donning jerseys and waving tricolours in anticipation of another historic night.College-goers in Saheed Nagar, office-goers in Patia, and cricket enthusiasts in Cuttack’s Buxi Bazar said they have already made plans for collective screenings on Sunday evening. With both cities buzzing with festive energy, residents said they believe the team has the grit, form and momentum to overcome the challenge posed by the Black Caps.“It was quite a long tournament for India. They do have solid form in batting and bowling, but there are shortcomings too, which need to be dealt with cautiously. The batting against England was phenomenal, but the Englishmen’s chase was equally fantastic. England could have restricted much earlier,” Priyanka Jena, a cricket fan, said.Mayank Sahoo, a district-level cricketer from Khurda, said people in their entire locality will be praying for Team India. “India has the capability to win and they should capitalise on their ongoing form. We will be hoping again from Sanju and Bumrah,” he said.As the countdown begins for the title clash, fans have a mix of nervous excitement and unwavering faith in the Men in Blue to bring the cup home once again. “Our prayers will be answered on Sunday, and Team India will script history by winning the trophy at home,” Ritesh Patnaik, an ardent cricket fan from Bhubaneswar, said.
