Bhubaneswar, Feb. 15: They are far away from the centre of action, but their prayers were with the team.

When India is playing Pakistan in the World Cup, it is as good as the final. It doesn't matter if it was the first league match of the tournament.

While men in blue scripted the victory at Adelaide cricket ground in south Australia, their fans here remained glued to their TV sets most of the day. Despite being a Sunday, streets and malls here wore a deserted look. The moment pacer Mohit Sharma took Sohail Khan's wicket, fans went berserk. Crackers began to go off one after another, as if it Diwali once more.. With this win, India made it 6-0 in World Cups against Pakistan. And the joy was overwhelming.

'This was a tense match not only for the players but also for the fans. Indian team has not been going through a good phase since the time it landed in Australia. The win against Pakistan today will definitely boost the team,' said Anurag Sahoo, an engineering student.

Various youth club members also celebrated the victory with firecrackers in the city. 'The way the team handled the pressure is commendable. Not only the batsmen, the bowlers, too, did a marvellous job. This was a great team work and we are hopeful that the players continue the performance,' said Asit Sahoo, a youth from Patia.

Players of state Ranji team also celebrated the victory. 'Virat Kohli played a very special innings. He was well supported by Suresh Raina, who played a very important knock today. Both played their shots all around the field and it was a delight to see them attacking the Pakistan bowlers,' said Ranji player Biplab Samantray. He also wished luck in the upcoming matches and hoped that they win the World Cup.

While the team was fighting it out on the ground, fans here did everything they could to ensure that the winning streak continues.

If it requires watching the match standing, so be it. IAS officer Nitin Bhanudas Jawale posted his photograph in team India jersey on Facebook and listed things he believes will ensure the team's victory. 'My sports superstition for crunch games: 1. Wear team jersey. 2. Watch first innings in last 10 overs. 3. Watch the entire second inning standing and the team wins,' reads his post. And sure he did manage to have the last smile!