NEW DELHI, 24 March 2003 — A pall of gloom descended on India after its cricket team suffered a 125-run thrashing at the hands of Australia in the World Cup in Johannesburg yesterday.

Cricket-crazy fans across the country of one billion people were glued to their television sets for the eight-hour match, bringing India to a halt, as the two teams clashed at Wanderers.

But they suffered disappointment as Australia racked up a huge 359 from their 50 overs and then bowled out the Indians for 234 despite a fighting 82 by opener Virender Sehwag.

“We were just stunned by the way the Australians hit us. I’m totally disappointed. But they showed just how great they are,” said 24-year-old New Delhi medical student Saket Girotra.

Fans had planned big parties for the evening, hoping for an Indian victory after the country made the final for the first time since winning at Lord’s in England in 1983.

But the festivities were scrapped in a hurry. “I’m very sad and depressed. We’d planned big celebrations. India just crumbled under pressure and Australia played like true champions,” said Bombay film-maker Sejal Shah. “But at least we beat Pakistan in the tournament.”

India won nine of 11 matches in the World Cup, including a celebrated victory earlier this month over Pakistan that sent the nation into a frenzy of delight.

But yesterday, fans were reduced to praying for rain, which interrupted action for 25 minutes after India had played 17 overs, and could have forced the match to be replayed today.

“We prayed for rain with the Geeta (Hindu holy book) open in front of us,” said Calcutta banker Ivy Tandon. “We were sure India would have won given a second chance.”

Just last month, fans across the country erupted in anger over India’s poor start to the tournament following a nine-wicket loss in the league stage to Australia.

Effigies of leading players were burned, Capt. Saurav Ganguly was given a mock funeral and black paint was hurled at batsman Mohammad Kaif’s house in the northern city of Allahabad.

But fans were in a more forgiving mood after the final. “We made it to the World Cup final. That’s quite an achievement,” said New Delhi book editor Pankaj Sharma.

“Let’s accept it, Australia were just too good. We could’ve done better but there’s no shame in losing to them.”