In what can only be described as a spectacle of epic proportions, the India-Pakistan T20 Cricket World Cup match held at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium on Sunday left fans in awe. Basit Qadri, a passionate 29-year-old Pakistan supporter who traveled from Baltimore, likened the clash to the Super Bowl, emphasizing its magnitude.

Throughout Eisenhower Park, fans reveled in the excitement of witnessing one of the greatest sports rivalries unfold on New York soil. The stadium was predominantly painted in shades of blue as Indian supporters outnumbered their Pakistani counterparts by an estimated ratio of 10-to-1.

As the match progressed, the seemingly inevitable victory by Pakistan led some fans to exit the stadium prematurely. However, to their dismay, the tables turned dramatically, and India mounted an incredible comeback. Jashan Kalra, a 24-year-old product analyst from Queens, expressed his reluctance to see Pakistani fans celebrating their team's victory. He wanted to walk away with his head held high, but in doing so, he missed witnessing India's thrilling triumph.

Kartikeya Bhatotia and Aashish Khullar, recent Harvard graduates and Indian nationals residing in Boston, were elated to witness this historic rivalry being played out in the United States. The duo sportingly purchased opposing team jerseys, showcasing their support for their respective nations.

The match saw a significant majority of India supporters, with only a small contingent representing Pakistan. Kashif Sheriz, a devoted fan from the UK, praised the warm welcome given to cricket in America and hoped that the sport would be embraced by the country. Sheriz's sentiment highlighted the unity and camaraderie among fans, emphasizing that any rivalry existed solely on the pitch.

The atmosphere outside the stadium was bubbling with excitement as fans arrived early, donning wigs, signs, and flags to demonstrate their allegiance. The electrifying energy resonated through the air, captivating the parking lot attendant who declared the scene as "good vibes."

Joe La Porta and Yesha Vayda, a couple from Albany, eagerly attended their first cricket match, both fully dressed in India jerseys. La Porta had discovered a love for cricket during the World Cup last year, and the proximity of the match allowed them to witness this sporting extravaganza firsthand.

The gates of the stadium became a focal point where groups of enthusiasts cheered on their teams from a distance. Bobby Mehra and Arjun Singh, banking technology specialists supporting India, made an early exit in hopes of beating the anticipated traffic back to New Jersey. Despite the long drive ahead, they expressed their gratitude for having the opportunity to witness such a close-to-home cricket match.

The India vs. Pakistan match was part of the 2024 ICC Men's T20 tournament and followed Team USA's remarkable victory against Pakistan earlier in the week.