Raipur, 16 January (H.S.): An electrifying wave of anticipation has swept through Chhattisgarh's capital ahead of the India-New Zealand T20 cricket showdown slated for January 23 at the Raipur International Cricket Stadium, with fervent fans thronging ticket counters at the indoor venue from early Friday morning.

Students and cricket aficionados formed serpentine queues since dawn, underscoring the match's magnetic pull; organisers initiated physical student ticket sales at 10 a.m., priced at Rs 800 each, strictly limiting one per individual to maximise access for the youth.

Online bookings commenced earlier, yet Thursday evening's inaugural phase saw nearly 12,000 tickets evaporate within half an hour, vividly illustrating spectators' zeal. Dedicated counters streamline collections for virtual purchasers alongside general sales, while robust police deployments ensure order amid the surging multitudes.

Authorities have fortified security protocols to manage the burgeoning crowds safely, promising a seamless experience for the stadium's eagerly awaited influx.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar