India’s 28-run win over Bangladesh saw them qualify for theknockout stages of the 2019 edition of the World Cup. And while one would thinkthat the players would be excited to celebrate, skipper Virat Kohli and deputyRohit Sharma took time out to meet the oldest Indian fan present at theEdgbaston Cricket Ground on Tuesday — 87-year-old Charulata Patel.
Taking to Twitter, Kohli wrote: “Also would like tothank all our fans for all the love and support and especially Charulata Patelji. She’s 87 and probably one of the most passionate and dedicated fans I’veever seen. Age is just a number, passion takes you leaps and bounds. With herblessings, on to the next one.”
Patel was seen cheering enthusiastically throughout thematch. She blew a yellow vuvuzela like a child on every boundary scored. Shealso kept waving the tricolour.
Patel, who is said to keep a close track of the team, wishesto be present when India lifts the World Cup at the iconic Lord’s on July 14.
The Men in Blue road on a brilliant 104 from Rohit Sharma —his fourth century in this edition of the showpiece event — to post 314/9 intheir 50 overs. Defending 314, in-form Shakib al Hasan was the only real threatfor the Indian bowlers as the Bangladesh batsmen came out pretty subdued intheir chase. And once Hardik Pandya sent back Shakib for 66 in the 34th over,it was advantage India.
Speaking at the end of the game, Bangladesh skipper MashrafeMortaza said: “That was the match we had to win. We couldn’t make it butthere was some good performance by Mustafizur. One of them had to go on andscore 80-90. A bit of luck could have gone in our favour. The tournament hasbeen nice, exceptional performance by Shakib and Mushy (Mushfiqur) battedreally well right through. We will try to play our best in the last game. Theywere here supporting us today as well.”