NEW DELHI, Sept 24 - Indian Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh led a rapturous nation in showering praise on
their cricket team after clinching the inaugural Twenty20 World
Cup by beating traditional rivals Pakistan on Monday.
India snatched a tense five-run win off the last over in
Johannesburg as the cricket-mad sub-continent erupted in joy on
one side of the border and slumped in dismay on the other.
"They played well and made us all proud. Keep it going team
India," Singh, who watched the game on television, said in a
statement, while also complimenting Pakistan's fine display.
The Indian board announced a cash bonus of $3 million to the
squad and 10 million rupees ($251,889) to batsman Yuvraj Singh
for hitting six sixes in one over against England and rallying
the team.
Indian cities erupted with fans bursting fire-crackers as
the last Pakistan wicket fell after millions had hurried home to
watch the final on television ahead of its 5.30pm (1200 GMT)
start.
Thousands of fans spilled onto the streets in the eastern
city of Ranchi, hometown of captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, and
the western city of Baroda from where left-arm paceman Irfan
Pathan comes.
Pathan was named man-of-the-match after claiming three for
16 to peg back Pakistan as they chased a modest target of 158.
It was double delight for his family after elder brother
Yusuf was also included in the playing XI at the last minute in
place of injured opener Virender Sehwag.