India-Pakistan lessons in history, trivia

They have the most insane facts on their fingertips – like how many boundaries and sixes did Harmanpreet Kaur hit during her epic 171 against Australia in the 2017 50-over Women’s World Cup. Devesh Mangtani, a sales and marketing professional, drove 200 kilometres from London to watch the women’s cricket match between India and Pakistan at the Edgbaston Cricket Ground here. After reaching Birmingham he got in touch with his college mate from University of Warwick, Karmann Kumar, an investment specialist, and both 35-year-olds headed for the cricket venue on Sunday.

To their utter disappointment, the quintessential English weather played spoilsport and incessant rain meant there was a delayed start to the game. They headed to the weightlifting venue – National Exhibition Centre in Solihull – a 1-hour drive from the Edgbaston ground. That’s where they met this correspondent and witnessed Jeremy Lalrinnunga lift gold for the country.

They may have reserved their lungs power to cheer for Harmanpreet Kaur & Co. but Jeremy evoked massive celebratory reactions from them. That done, and with this correspondent in tow, the duo then hailed a quick cab to Edgbaston as by then the game had begun and it was an 18-over per side match with Pakistani girls taking first strike.

“Telling ya mate, our girls are gonna hammer them,” quipped Devesh. “Placing my bets on Harmanpreet to come big.” “Remember, the 171 she scored against the Aussies in 2017! 20 fours and 7 sixes… What a player! I was there,” he added. Your correspondent couldn’t stop admiring the passion of the man for the sport, while making a few mental notes here and there.