Sticky Wicket

After getting upset by Bangladesh, India was in a must win situation against Sri Lanka to advance from World Cup pool play into the Super 8. A hungry pack of fans landed at Escape's projector screen to cheer on the first inning of play. The second inning would start after the 11:30 pm closing time, so get your kicks in early. India chose to field first and tried to hold them to as few runs, before taking their 2nd inning At Bats. We threw down after every wicket and in between.

Cricket is the national obsession. There is not even a second place sport, though I catch pro men's field hockey on TV from time to time. Other sports of interest are badminton There is cricket news, game replays, and commentary, on at all hours. It is the tie that binds and spans all the language barriers: we have picked up games with randoms, alleys kids, and co-workers. And every one has the same favorite player: Sachin, who holds most international records and carried them to the last WC finals.

This WC was especially scandalous - after Pakistan was extraordinarily upset by Ireland (on St. Patties day!) their coach turned up murdered. There is wild speculation about mafia ties and match fixing.

After a hard and early night, I woke to find that India had lost! and that we were running late...