NEW DELHI: As the Wankhede Stadium buzzes with excitement for the World Cup semi-final clash between India and New Zealand, cricketing legends Sachin Tendulkar and Viv Richards shared a memorable moment on the iconic ground. The meeting between these two cricket icons occurred on November 15, a significant date marking Sachin's international debut against Pakistan in 1989.
Adding to the star-studded spectacle, football icon David Beckham graced the Wankhede stadium, where he not only met Sachin Tendulkar but also engaged with members of the Indian cricket team on the ground. The convergence of iconic figures from cricket and football added an extra layer of glamour to the highly anticipated semifinal.
Outside the stadium, the sea of blue, adorned by passionate fans, created a vibrant atmosphere. Dharamveer Pal, an ardent India supporter, expressed the collective excitement, saying, "We are very excited. This is a big match. India won the last 9 matches very well. The atmosphere within the team and among fans is being carried by the entire India. This is the semi-final, so there will obviously be a little pressure. But the important thing is that we have done well in earlier matches and even defeated New Zealand...I urge all Indians to pray for Team India. All 140 crore Indians will want India to reach Ahmedabad (for the finals)."
Amidst the fervour, the toss took place, and India decided to bat first against New Zealand. Kane Williamson, the Kiwi skipper, acknowledged that they would have preferred to bat first as well, considering the conditions.
(With inputs from ANI)
