All roads led to the Eden Gardens on November 5, Sunday. India was playing at Eden Gardens against South Africa as a part of ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, which meant one had to witness the action live. That’s not all, the match day was made even more special because it was Virat Kohli’s birthday!
Now getting tickets for the match was a big challenge. Tickets, released in batches on an online platform, sold out quicker than one could say the word 'cricket'! The chances of bagging a ticket seemed as feeble as England making it to the semis this time.
But tra la! Magic happened! I got an opportunity to watch the India vs South Africa live from the Mastercard Lounge at Eden Gardens, by invitation from the company. Yes, and the experience of the same has been nothing short of remarkable. This opportunity was a part of Mastercard’s ‘Har Fan Hai Priceless’ campaign that provides fans several tangible benefits, such as the opportunity to watch the match from a prime spot in the stadium, avail complimentary VIP tickets, experience post-match awards ceremony from the field, book tickets before they are open to all through a pre-sale window, and a lot more.
Mastercard has also partnered with multiple companies to provide exciting offers and deals on food, merchandise, and a lot more during the World Cup. Further, cardholders get a 24-hour window to book match tickets before they are opened to the public. These experiences reiterate the company’s strong association with cricket and its commitment to fans
As part of the ‘Har Fan Hai Priceless’ campaign, Mastercard brought the coveted World Cup trophy to its customers, partners, and employees across several Indian cities. The company has also put together a carefully curated list of experiences to make this World Cup memorable for its cardholders and some of the features include experiences such as:
Mastercard Experience Box: Eight selected Mastercard cardholders get to watch the match from the comfort of a sofa which is strategically placed in the box for the best view of the field.
Mastercard Beyond the Boundary Experience: Two Mastercard cardholders get to watch the two teams taking part in the national anthem from the boundary. Additionally, they get a VIP ticket each along with a chance to take a selfie with the coveted World Cup trophy.
Mastercard Flagbearer Program: Ten children of Mastercard cardholders get to be on the field with the national flag ahead of the national anthem. Additionally, they get a complimentary match tickets.
Mastercard Match Day Experience: One Mastercard cardholder gets a VIP ticket along with the opportunity to watch the post-match awards ceremony from the field.
Excited, donning a blue shirt and denims, the cricket fan in me reached Gate 13, Block J where my pass was scanned and in no time and I landed up in the exclusive Mastercard Lounge. Neatly done in white with plush sofas, the air conditioned lounge had a TV for a clearer and closer view. It was well stocked with munchies ranging from pizzas to cakes, and colas. The real vibe however came from the balcony where one could see a sea of blue jerseys enveloping the iconic Eden Gardens.
Virat post scoring his 49th ODI century at Eden Gardens
The vibe kicked in when kids walked on the field with the national flag before the national anthem was sung. I couldn’t help but feel immense pride as an Indian at that moment and realised my eyes were welling up. #goosebumps
India had won the toss and had decided to bat first and there was no way one could keep calm. The match started with Shubman Gill and Team India Captain Rohit Sharma opening, Rohit’s six fours and two sixes taking him to 40, only to get dismissed by South African bowler Rabada.
Mastercard is committed to provide its cardholders unforgettable experiences during cricket’s biggest festival. When fans see the company consistently investing in the sport to create memorable moments for them, it adds to brand affinity and enhances card usage. Mastercard has always brought people closer to their passions, be it sports, travel, culinary among others,” said Gautam Aggarwal, division president, South Asia, Mastercard
Loudest cheers were saved for birthday boy Virat Kohli who everyone had their eyes on. The 35-year-old cricketer was inching towards equalling master blaster Sachin Tendulkar’s highest number of ODI centuries record in the history of cricket. A certain King Kohli fever had wrapped the entire stadium. From No. 18 jerseys to Virat or Kohli written on them! Kohli chants filled the stadium and boy, Virat didn’t disappoint. Several boundaries later, VK scored his 49th century, 101 not out with a 83.47 strike rate. When he was at 99, everyone had their phones out on record mode to catch him make history. I too wasn’t an exception. While the stadium clapped, cheered him on, shouting out his name the moment Kohli took off his helmet, looked at the sky, eyes shut for a second and raised his bat. Uff! What a moment it was, to see him live in action, and it was made possible for me only by Mastercard.
That’s not all, the match had several other priceless moments too — the light show that happened during the second innings while South Africa was chasing a mammoth 326 target set by India. The floodlights went out, lights lit up around the boundary line, the floodlights came back, but this time dancing to the beat of the music. The energy was electrifying with thousands of spectators taking out their phones to capture the moment. But the best part was when A.R. Rahman’s Vande Mataram was played by DJ Kunal Bose, official DJ for the Eden Gardens matches of the World Cup, and the stadium joined in. I had goosebumps witnessing this historic moment from the Mastercard Lounge that gave a clear view of the stadium.
Virat Kohli dancing on the field to 1,2 ka 4 and Anushka Sharma’s Ainvayi ainvayi were absolute adorable moments.
Ravindra Jadeja’s outstanding spell of picking five wickets was phenomenal that aided India to dismiss South Africa at 83 and thus win by 243 runs!
The spectacular moment was saved for the last as fireworks lit up the sky, commemorating Team India’s win.
Although it was a one-sided match with Team India in control, the match was filled with historic moments, where every Indian left with a smile on their face. I was ecstatic to live these moments right in front of my eyes and I hoped to be back during the semi-final on November 16. If you wish the same, be a Mastercard member and wait to get lucky, just like me!