Cricket crossed the gender border on Sunday. Women watched the gentleman's game between India and Pakistan, as engrossed as men.

There was no fuss on what to watch on television on Sunday morning. The general consensus among gentlemen and ladies (boys and girls as well) was on watching the big match.

As the Men in Blue marched onto the field to take on Pakistan at the Adelaide Oval, women, done with their chores, joined the rest of the family to watch the 'final before the final'. Girls, many of them preparing for their upcoming examinations, made sure they watched the thriller.

In a pleasant surprise, homemakers did not complain about their hubbies not letting them watch daily soaps and watched the match with excitement. Some homemakers had even arranged for snacks a day earlier so that they could concentrate on the tie.

Meenakshi Jha (45), a resident of Kankerbagh, said: 'I had arranged for chips, samosas and other refreshments. A World Cup tie comes after four years and India produce their best versus Pakistan. I was in no mood to enter the kitchen today (Sunday).'

She had done her homework well, as the Indian batsmen did to counter seven-foot-one-inch-tall Mohammad Irfan. Virat (Kohli) and Co. milked Irfan for runs, as he went wicket-less. And the city relished the valour of Indian batsmen and bowlers throughout the day.

Sweta Sinha (27), preparing for banking examinations, did not fight with her younger brother Abhishek over what to watch on TV this Sunday. A final-year electrical engineering student at Oriental College of Technology in Bhopal, Abhishek, has come down to the city on vacation. Usually, both fight with each other to grab the remote and watch the programme of his or her choice. Sunday, however, was different - both remained glued to the same channel and none of them complained even once. 'While Abhishek loves to watch news and sports, I love to watch daily soaps. But today, both of us sat together to watch the World Cup match. After all, it was the India vs Pakistan match and we could not afford to miss it,' said Sweta, with a big smile on her face.

There was no lack of support for Team India. Khushboo Priya (23), a BA Part I student of Patna Women's College, said: 'My sister and I broke into bhangra as Virat took a single off Shahid Afridi to reach his century.' In the process, the flamboyant right-hander also became the first Indian to score a century against Pakistan in a World Cup match. Call it lady luck or simply luck - Kohli was dropped twice in the match.

Many students of Avantika hostel of Magadh Mahila College also watched the match. 'My examination would start from March 10 but I had to watch the match at any cost. I have compromised on my preparations a bit,' said Puja Kumari, a BA second-year student of Magadh Mahila College.

Some boarders were also seen watching the tie with books and copies in hand.

Sakshi Verma, a BCA Part-II student of Magadh Mahila College, said: 'I was praying to God to make sure we win. Had we lost, I wouldn't have seen any of the remaining matches.' The Avantika hostel boarder wore her lucky blue dress for the match.

Homemaker Nilima Singh (36) of the Boring Canal Road area said: 'I prayed to Lord Shiva to help India triumph. I pledged if India won today, I would offer Shivji a litre of milk on Mahashivratri on Tuesday. My wish has been fulfilled.'