I was supposed to be boarding a flight from Delhi to HK during the runchase.
As I was checking in and clearing security I kept asking people around me what the score was, since I didn't have an indian sim card and the airport has no free wifi (barbaric, I know)
Going through duty free and walking to my gate, I caught the wicket of Yuvraj Singh, and by the time I reached my gate, India needed 59 from 30.
We were scheduled to board in 15 minutes, and I was so disappointed that we were going to miss the end of the game.
However, there was something wrong. Air India had still not opened the gate. Seems like they were short-staffed and no one had gone to receive the plane.
Luckily all the gates had their TV screens showing the game. I made myself comfortable at the one at Gate 23. Watson came on to bowl with 47 from 24 needed, and bowled a terrific over, but MSD just managed to get that last ball away for 4.
39 needed off 13 and It was time to board the plane.
Except there was no plane.
All the desis at all the gates were glued to the screens nearest to them. Every boundary was met with loud cheers. No one cared there was no plane. Except the Asians. They sat around confused and frustrated
The Air India staff continued to deny that the flight was delayed. as Kohli tore into Faulkner. Four. Four. Six. Each met with a cheer louder than the last.
It was happening. Could Kohli actually win this for us?
NCN got the ball. Still no word from Air India. Four. Four. Four. Bemused fotreigners wondered what was going on while every Indian man, woman and child in Indra Gandhi airport lost their ****. Employees were taking turns to leave their shops to watch the game, relaying the score back to their colleagues. Frustrated Chinese tourists wanted to buy souvenirs for fam back home but found the staff were too preoccupied watching some man whacking a ball around with a bat.
Four. Four. Kohli had done it. We only needed Four from the last over to win.
Just then a message boomed over the PA system. Air India flight 310 to Hong Kong was now ready to board.
First ball next over and MSD slams Faulkner over midwicket for four. Kohli drops to his knees after an ATG T20 innings. Everyone leaves their screeen and cheerfully lines up. The flight leaves on its scheduled time with no delay, just as promised.
Loved it. Kohli WAG.