PTI

KARACHI, Sep 25: Minutes after Shoaib Malik's team lost the Twenty20 World Cup final to India in Johannesburg, Pakistan's angry cricket lovers burnt effigies of Younis Khan and Shahid Afridi to vent their anger.

In yet another incident that revealed that people here can be very unforgiving when it comes to conceding defeat against India, the incident occurred at the stadium where the Asian Football Confederation tournament is being played in Lahore these days.

Here in Karachi also, mobs in some places gathered to raise slogans against the Pakistani players particularly Afridi and Younis.

"What the hell! This is the second time we lost a match to India in the World Cup. Such a big match and such careless play from senior players like Younis and Afridi. It is so disappointing to lose like this to India," Kamil Butt said as his friends engaged in animated discussion on the final at a fast food restaurant.

Given the level of interest in the final, five-star hotels, fast food chains and small restaurants on Monday had all set up television screens and arranged special Iftaar menus to attract crowds as the people also broke fast during the match itself.

"We were so happy at half time because we restricted the Indians to just 157. On such a wicket we were sure Pakistan would finally beat India in a World Cup match," complained Shakir, a student.

Qayyum Ahmed, a paan shop owner, said he was sad that Pakistan had lost the final but felt the team fought hard.

"The team fought hard but I am very angry with Afridi. He should have played more sensibly. If he had scored 5-10 runs we would have won the final."

However, the Pakistan team members can still expect some cash awards for reaching the final by the Pakistan Cricket Board.

A board official said at least the team had played in the final.

"The World Cup 2007 in March in the West Indies was a disaster and we just didn't know what to do after the debacle.

At least, now we have a young team and it is playing positively and gelling together."

Begum Mehtab Bano, a housewife and avid cricket fan, said she was disappointed at the loss to India.

"Lose against any team, but not to India. Since morning I and couple of other neighbours had made 'Mannats' and distributed sacrificial meat among the poor to wish good luck to the team. But all went in vain."

The Pakistan team lands in Karachi on Wednesday with the South Africans before both teams start a Test series from October 1.