ISLAMABAD, May 22: The whole of Pakistan erupted in joy as people took to the streets to celebrate the victory over arch rivals India in the Independence Cup league match, marked by a world record 194 by Saeed Anwar.

Streets came alive at midnight with the fall of the last Indian wicket of Venkatesh Prasad, signalling Pakistan's victory as people embraced each other amidst bursting of crackers and booming of guns.

President Farooq Ahmed Leghari and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also conveyed congratulatory messages to Saeed Anwar on his brilliant effort and skipper Rameez Raja for the victory.

The entire country witnessed impromptu celebrations by fans at the 35-run win that fetched them a final berth and which is being dubbed as revenge for India's 1996 World Cup quarter-final victory over Pakistan in Bangalore.

Large crowds were seen in street corners jostling with each other in a bid to watch the match on television sets set up at local shops.

There was loud cheer when Saeed Anwar passed that magical figure of 189 in the name of Vivian Richards but still the fans felt dejected as their hero fell six short of the first-ever double century.,

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.