Students of Magadh Mahila College enjoy the India-Pakistan semi-final match at the college hostel in Patna on Wednesday. Picture by Ashok Sinha

For once, there were no clashes at the home front over what to watch on television. As the Men in Blue marched into the field to take on the Men in Green, women in Patna, done with their chores, joined the rest of the family to watch the match of the century.

Most of them decided to end their innings for the day before the clock ticked 2.30pm, so that Dhoni and company did not miss lady luck, that is, female supporters.

“I am not going to compromise on the match. Even if my husband requests me for something, I am not going to oblige him. If he wants tea or something, he will have to get it himself. I am booked for the match,” said Pragya Mishra, a final-year MSc student of AN College.

Ratna Ganguly, an employee of All India Radio, Patna, said: “The clock seems to be ticking slow today. I want it to strike 2.30pm fast so that I can see the semi-final match.”

Ratna, a connoisseur of the nuances of the game, said: “Pakistan is a really good team. They have three wicket-takers — Shahid Afridi, Umar Gul and Abdul Razzaq. The batting side can hardly do anything when they are bowling.”

The 23-year-old was was not ready to take chances with India’s victory. “I have worn the same yellow salwar kameez which I wore during the quarter-final match against Australia. Though the colour is that of the Aussies, it is a lucky dress for India. I have also painted my nails saffron, white and green, to support my team,” said Ratna.

While some are praying hard, others are taking to penance to see their team win.“It may sound crazy but I will not have any food till the game gets over. I am fasting to make Team India win,” said Nupur Priya, a 19-year-old BCom student of Vanijya Mahavidyalaya. She will also recite the Hanuman chalisa through the match to help India’s fortunes.

Tanu Priya, Nupur’s sister, is praying to a different god to see India through — the old dependable Sachin Tendulkar.

“I am praying that Sachin scores a century today. If he stays at the pitch for a considerable amount of time, he will ensure that we win,” said Tanu. Her greatest wish is to see the Master Blaster hit a six off Pakistan’s captain and highest wicket-taker Afridi.

For 17-year-old Sucheta, cricket is her religion. “I am really superstitious when India plays a match. If I think someone is unlucky for the team — like my brother or some other family member — I tell him or her to away from the room where the television is kept,” she said.

Patna University students, who have examinations the day after the match, said the preparations would take a backseat during the game. “How can I miss the match? It is India versus Pakistan, that too the World Cup semi-finals. So I have decided to study in the morning and finish my revisions before the match starts,” said Aakansha Singh, a final-year student.

Sweta Priya, her friend, said: “It’s too exciting. I woke up at 4am to finish the revision before the match starts.”