“Keep count of the boundaries and sixes, mate,” shouted a New Zealand fan as Eoin Morgan’s England faced off against the Black Caps in the first semi-final of the T20 World Cup here on Wednesday. The advice was indeed wise, since England beat New Zealand in the 2019 (50-over) World Cup final at Lord’s on boundaries. When New Zealand raced towards the target with opener Daryl Mitchell hitting a volley of sixes, one fan said he was doing so just in case this time, too, the winner was decided on who hit the most sixes.

Music for the evening

Judging by the scenes at the stadium, it wasn’t clear whether the venue was set up for a music concert or an intense game of cricket.

Many Sri Lankans came with their papare bands to keep everyone entertained. After England’s batting, someone in the crowd wearing a Pakistan jersey asked an English fan: “Have you made enough runs to return to Dubai and play us?” An Indian fan quipped after the match: “We are the third best team since we've lost only to the finalists!”

‘Dinner’ invite

When New Zealand’s Martin Guptill offered a simple catch off the third ball of the first over, a few English fans having dinner called out “Join us for dinner please.”