Cricket fever as Pakistan clash with Sri Lanka

Cricket fever swept through Sri Lankan capital Colombo on Saturday as fierce South Asian rivals Sri Lanka and Pakistan clashed in a blockbuster World Cup sell-out.

Roads were closed and shops shuttered near the R. Premadasa stadium as around 3,000 police officials were deployed for the Group A match.

Hundreds of Pakistani fans were in Sri Lanka to witness their first World Cup match after missing their team's first game against Kenya at Hambantota, which they won by a huge 205-run margin.

"I am in Colombo to back my team and it's a great atmosphere to be in," said Mazhar Qayyum, a marketing executive at a Pakistani bank, accompanied by his son Shaheer.

Rehan Khan, Askari Naqvi and Imran Rasheed, also from Pakistan, were relishing the festive atmosphere outside the stadium.

"It's great to be in Colombo for a World Cup match," said Naqvi, from Sindh province. "We sort of had fun with Sri Lankan fans. Whoever plays well should win, but I will shout for Pakistan."

Inside the stadium the atmosphere was fully charged hours before the match started, with fans blowing vuvuzelas, the plastic horn that earned fame at last year's football World Cup in South Africa.

"I have never seen this big a crowd at Premadasa," said Thilini Nadeeshani, holding a blue-and-yellow Sri Lankan flag.

World Cup mascot Stumpy was in action inside and outside the stadium, challenging fans to match his dance steps and win tickets -- a competition set up by the local organisers.

One lucky winner was Nishantha Peiris, who danced with Stumpy.

"I am thrilled," said Peiris, from Moratuwa. "It's a double treat for me and I will come to watch the Sri Lanka-Kenya match for free."

There were many disappointed fans milling around outside the ground in the hope of getting free entry.

But their bid looked hopeless, with the stadium packed before the toss.

"I bought my ticket last week and did double duty on Friday," said rickshaw driver Mohammad Shahabuddin, who was in a fix as to who to support -- his Muslim brothers from Pakistan or the home team.

"My country comes first, but my Muslim brothers are also my favourites, so I am happy whoever wins," said Shahabuddin. "This should be the spirit."