Mumbai's cricket-loving fans were robbed of a chance to see 'super human' batting from South African superstar AB de Villiers during Saturday's warm-up tie
AB de Villiers
Mumbai's cricket-loving fans were robbed of a chance to see 'super human' batting from South African superstar AB de Villiers during Saturday's warm-up tie. The huge crowd turned up to see Team India in action, but they also hoped to see De Villiers bat. However, he was rested for the match. De Villiers set the Wankhede on fire he batted here last, scoring 119 against India in the final game of the 2015 ODI series as South Africa posted a mammoth 438-4 in 50 overs. Earlier, during the 2015 Indian Premier League, he smashed a 59-ball 133 not out for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Mumbai Indians on May 10.
AB de Villiers
ADVERTISEMENT
Poor response from schools
The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) did not receive the response it would have liked from school kids for whom they provided free tickets for Saturday's New Zealand vs England and India vs South Africa World T20 warm-up matches. Out of the 32 schools which play in the Harris and Giles Shield, only 15 schools and colleges applied for the tickets. "One of the reasons could be annual exams clashing with the ICC World T20," an MCA official told SUNDAY mid-day. The MCA provided 200 tickets to the Salaam Bombay Foundation.
Practice for Super Over too
The warm-up matches are not just restricted to 20-over games, but once the tie is done, the teams also come out to play a Super Over. It was an added bonus to the fans who like to see towering sixes. The International Cricket Council is ensuring that the teams are well-prepared for any situation when the main round kicks off in a few days.
Wankhede Stadium witnessed a full house for the warm-up match between India and South Africa on Saturday. Pic/Atul Kamble
Packed Wankhede for warm-up tie
ICC World T20 fever finally gripped Mumbai on Saturday as thousands thronged to the Wankhede Stadium to witness the India versus South Africa warm-up tie. The fans started queuing up outside the Mahindra Hockey Stadium, one of the two venues to buy tickets for Saturday's double header, from as early as seven in the morning for an evening match. The stadium was almost packed as this was the only occasion where Mumbaikars would be able to witness Team India live in action in the World T20 before the semis. Knowing that the semis tickets would come with a hefty price, the fans thought of cashing on the opportunity to watch the warm-up tie for Rs 200.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
