By Brandon Corlette in Barbados
The T20 World Cup final in Barbados will be remembered as a groundbreaking day for India, as they defeated South Africa in front of an IPL-like crowd at the Kensington Oval.
A day after the final, it was Hurricane Beryl’s time to party.
On the eve of the final, the weather system was upgraded to Tropical Storm Beryl.
That weather update did not stop the thousands of Indian fans. In fact, on the day of the semi-final in Guyana, which was held on June 27, Indian fans arrived in Barbados, in their bold blue and orange kits, and India flags.
Despite a delay owing to an accident on the runway at the Grantley Adams International airport, fans heading to Barbados were still updated by the Caribbean Airlines pilot. A few minutes upon arrival, on June 27, there was a loud cheer as 90% of the passengers were in favor of seeing an India vs South Africa final.
Close to 100 cars were rented on the day in Barbados for the monumental weekend, and the entire island was buzzing, despite the exit of the West Indies team. St Lawrence Gap on a Friday evening had the fans buzzing. Some of the locals were against South Africa, solely because the Proteas had knocked out the West Indies of the T20 World Cup.
Oistins was packed to capacity on the eve of the match, and even the DJs were feeling the vibes. Indian music was blazing through speakers and fans were already rocking away. The rain had curtailed that music mash-up, but it was certainly the party to set the tone for the final.
The sun was out in all its glory on finals day, and fans from the hotels around Barbados were out and about as early as 7AM. The entire island was displayed with T20 World Cup posters, and all the radios in BIM were aggressive with the T20 World Cup marketing.
Guyanese were not to left behind, as they were out with the Golden Arrowhead since the music mash-up at Oistins.
President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, Dr Irfaan Ali was present, former Guyana and West Indies Test players Ramnaresh Sarwan and Devendra Bishoo were among some of the Guyanese on the island.
From a journalistic standpoint, I was the lone Guyanese media man on spot. It felt a bit weird, but these things happen when you book your flight five months before, with high hopes of West Indies making it to the final.
India arguably has the strongest fan base in the world of cricket. Less than ten South Africa flags were seen in the stands around Kensignton.
Both teams unbeaten, and it was written in the stars for a mouthwatering clash. South Africa were in cruise control for most part of the game, but India bowlers stepped up when it mattered most.
The rain began drizzling moments after India’s triumph, and Hurricane Beryl was beginning to take effect.
Experiencing a hurricane is no fun.
Most restaurants on the island was closed the day after the final. Before the winds started to blow at 150mph, the T20 World Cup champions had a stroll on the beach and were spotted walking around the Island.
Supermarkets were packed to capacity, and locals were urging tourists to stock up and stay indoors.
The power was out, the water systems were down, and Hurricane Beryl was in effect. The airports were closed, and fans and cricketers were stranded on the island, (not for too long).
Flights cancelled, and hotel booking extended. Long waits at the airports and longing for a safe return home. It was certainly a first for me, but it was a T20 World Cup final that I will always remember.