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Karachi, May 24: Pakistanis glued to TV sets lustily cheered their team against Australia in the World Cup. Shopping centres and markets were deserted as Pakistan, after some incredible hitting in the last 15 overs (in which they scored 145 runs), overpowered the 1987 champions by 10 runs.

During the course of play, the roads were void of any traffic. But as soon as the match ended at 11:20 p.m. (P.S.T), the enthusiasts assembled in groups at almost every corner of the city discussing their team's superb victory.

In the North Nazimabad locality, sweets were distributed while in the vicinity of Liaquatabad some 50 cricket fanatics marched on streets. They were chanting and raising slogans in favour of their team.

This newspaper office received several calls in which the followers of the game wanted to record their sentiments.

``We are proud of our team. The way they played proved that their destiny is nothing but victory. The never say die policy of Wasim Akram has once again done its trick,'' Adnan, an avid cricket fan.

``It was a completely dedicated performance. How many teams would have lifted themselves from 46 for three to 275? This performance has restored our confidence in the team,'' said S.M Tanvir, another fan.

``It was yet again a sweet revenge for the 1987 defeat in World Cup semi-finals. Though the accounts were settled when Pakistan defeated them on their soil in 1992, that 1987 defeat is still hard to digest,'' said Fawad Lodhi.

Interestingly, some of the spectators were also wishing for India to qualify for the Super Sixes stage.

``We want India in the Super Sixes stage along with Pakistan. It's disturbing to see them struggle in England but if they qualify, the number of Asian teams in the second stage would be two instead of one,'' said Nauman, a shopkeeper.