For Giants-Titans clash, fan fever rises as sun sets on hot, humid day

Lucknow: Cricket lovers enjoyed a gala time as they danced, cheered, despite the hot and humid weather during the exciting match between Lucknow SuperGiants and Gujarat Titans at Ekana International Cricket Stadium here on Saturday.
Though the turnout initially fell short of expectations, with merely 30,000 spectators occupying the stadium during the first two hours, the venue subsequently witnessed a substantial influx of enthusiasts after sunset, ultimately reaching its full capacity.
Cricket enthusiasts Sonal Singh and Aashi singh, who came all the way from Ballia to watch the match, were on cloud nine and said they had always been yearning to watch IPL matches but all the venues were far away from their native place, so when they came to know about the match in Lucknow, they decided they won't miss it.
Young fans including females arrived at the stadium to support Shubhman Gill and cheered for Gujarat Titans. Sunny Srivastava (11) and Aman Khan(11), both training at the local cricket academy, attended to watch Gill and expressed their belief that he would achieve greatness like Dhoni, Rohit and Kohli in the years to come.
Supporting LSG's mystery bowler Digvesh Rathi, who incurred BCCI penalties in successive matches for his signature mark, some spectators displayed posters and banners in the stands inscribed with ‘Aamdani athanni aur kharcha rupaiya' (income double the expense).
The LSG supporters appeared disheartened when no wickets fell in 12 overs, but the GT captain Shubhman Gill was bowled by Avesh Khan whilst the stadium reverberated with Bhojpuri Songs and spectators enthusiastically waved the LSG flag.
When Gujarat Titans' SAI Sudarshan departed, Lucknow fans jubilantly danced in the stands chanting "Main to aayi hoon UP Bihar lootne" as spectators disregarded the sultry weather and revelled in their home team's performance.