Cricket fever grips city following World Cup victory

Bangalore, Sep 25 (UNI) The triumphant Indian team that won the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup in Johannesburg last evening, will arrive in the city in batches from tomorrow night, since cricket fever has gripped the city with just four days left for the first One Day International(ODI) between India and Australia at M Chinnaswamy stadium here on September 29.

Grand welcome awaits skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his team when they start arriving in batches in the city from tomorrow and assemble at the match venue on September 28 afternoon.

The two captains -- Dhoni and Ricky Ponting, would be unveiling the 'Future Cup' on Friday afternoon.

The team would arrive in Mumbai from South Africa tomorrow, where they would be taken on a grand procession in bedecked vehicles from airport to Wankhade stadium.

A full house is expected to witness India's display against the Aussies, who are the World Champions in both ODI and test cricket.

Tickets across counters were sold out within hours yesterday after the team emerged with flying colours when they defeated formidable opponents Australia, South Africa, England and Pakistan in the inaugural event.

Heroes welcome awaits for city lad Robin Uthappa and bowling coach B K Venkatesh Prasad, who also belonged to the city.

Elaborate security arrangements were made for the peaceful conduct of the match.

''We have been preparing well and are ready to handle the huge and bubblingly enthusiastic crowds, after India's splendid victory,'' a senior police officer said.

UNI