Fireworks & frenzy as India clinch Champions Trophy

Patna: The night sky blazed with fireworks and the streets echoed with joyous chants as the city erupted in celebrations after India's nail-biting four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final in Dubai on Sunday.
The moment of triumph came when Ravindra Jadeja coolly dispatched a Will O'Rourke delivery past deep square leg, sending the ball racing to the boundary and securing India's win in the final ball of 49th over. As soon as the ball crossed the fence, ecstatic fans poured out of their homes to revel in the victory.
"Hey, India won!" yelled Shivam of Buddha Colony.
The match had kept fans on the edge of their seats and while many felt the frustration of coach Gautam Gambhir and K L Rahul over the reckless dismissals of Axar Patel and Shreyas Iyer, others remained unfazed. "India gonna win!" said Priya Jyotsna of Ashiana Nagar with confidence even as the match was on.
The moment India sealed the title, hundreds of young fans rushed to Dak Bungalow roundabout and Boring Road crossing, turning the places into a sea of celebration. "This is an early Holi for us. India was unstoppable throughout the tournament," said Deepak Samrat, a die-hard Indian fan.
The excitement even spilled onto social media. "And we won. India is the champion! India…India!" posted Pallavi Sharma on X, summing up the euphoria.
Traffic came to a standstill at Dak Bungalow as fans chanted, danced and waved the Tricolour with pride.
"Ye toh hona hi tha! New Zealand's record in finals was strong, but Rohit silenced his critics. He led like a true champion, both as a captain and a batsman. India played like a team destined to win," said Chintan Bhardwaj, a banker.
Another passionate fan chimed in, "NZ ko surgical strike karke India ne jeet darj ki hai. India is unbeatable!"
Patna's streets were alive with celebrations with flags waving in many localities and chants of "Rohit! Rohit!" echoing through the night. One B K Sinha took to a social media platform to express the sentiments of millions. "Congratulations, India! You deserved it!" he posted.
Even students poured out of their hostels, adding to the revelry. Earlier in the day, some residents had performed "havan" rituals for India's victory and by nightfall, their prayers had been answered.