With significant support, Pakistan 'feel at home' in Mohali against Australia

MOHALI: For the second game in a row, the Pakistan cricket team found good support from fans when they took on Australia in a World Twenty20 group match here today.

Non-stop chants of 'Pakistan jeetega' and 'Afridi lala and 'Afridi lala' were heard minutes before the start of the game at the 27,000 capacity venue.

Pakistan had good support even in the game against New Zealand here, something that was acknowledged by captain Shahid Afridi.

"We are here for Afridi," Amir, who hails from Anantnag but is studying in the nearby Rajpura, told PTI.

While most supporting Pakistan were Kashmiri students and Mohammad Bashir alias 'Chicago Chacha', locals were also spotted rooting for the neighbouring nation.

"We had to be here for Afridi. This could be his last game before retiring. It is not so much about Pakistan for us. It is all about Afridi," said Sarabpreet, who lives in Patiala and had come with his brother.

Businessman Rameez Riyaz, who came from Anantnag with his brother, said they were huge fans of Afridi.

"We are here for three days and will also be watching the next game here between India and Australia. We love Afridi and have been following his career very closely. Knowing that this could be his last international match, we did not want to miss the opportunity," said Rameez.