JEDDAH, 17 March 2004 — The second One-Day International between India and Pakistan drew a large crowd of TV viewers across Saudi Arabia yesterday.
Restaurants and hotels in Jeddah and elsewhere in the Kingdom reported an increased turnout of cricket fans to watch the ODI live compared to the first ODI held three days ago.
The leveling of the series by Pakistan will add to the excitement of viewing the remaining three ODIs, according to restaurant managers in Jeddah.
Cricket fans watched the second ODI live on a big TV screen in the Arab News pavilion at Salt N Pepper restaurant in Aziziah district.
A similar scene was snapped in another Arab News pavilion at Kababish restaurant in the same district.
Many other gatherings were reported in the other cities. The atmosphere at all the gatherings was reported to be great with both Indian and Pakistani fans enjoying the fare in a spirit of sportsmenship.
A quiz contest was conducted at the Arab News-Asia International School pavilion, which has proved to be popular with cricket enthusiasts in the Eastern Province.
The pavilion is supported by Le Gulf Meridien.
