The first of the two matches everyday are what attract the most students, because they can be home before it gets dark. As the streets are unsafe after dark, the children are asked to return home before sunset, and the matches allow them to soak in all the fun they want and still return home on time.

"We don't get opportunities to watch day-night matches. But IPL matches get over by 7.30 p.m., so we can safely go back home before the parental curfew," 13-year-old Emanuel who studies in sixth standard at the Afrikaans Hoër Seunskool in Pretoria, told IPL reporters.   

His mother Lisa also said, "Here we don't allow our children to watch day-night matches because of safety concerns. But the IPL timings enable our children to watch cricket and then be home to study a couple of hours before going to sleep."

What’s best is that students receive the tickets at an amazing discount: only 20 Rands, and are they pleased! "We get student's concession for the games and the tickets cost just 20 Rands and we don't have to ask money from our parents. We can manage from our pocket money," 15-year-old Mosaba told reporters.

The children enjoy most when the South African cricketers come out to play; players like Duminy, Smith and Villiers always get the loudest cheer. But the Indian’s aren’t far behind on the popularity scale either. “Dhoni is my favourite,” says 12 year old Isaac looking at all his Chennai Super Kings paraphernalia. Talking of paraphernalia, the distributers are trying their best to manufacture everything in smaller sizes.

Meanwhile, South African Airways is increasing the number of flights between Johannesburg and Mumbai ahead of the final. “This comes as a result of an increase in demand for seats from spectators,” the SAA said in a statement. The Airline will add two extra return flights on Wednesday and Saturday to its normal schedule of four flights weekly, and a larger airplane will be used for existing return flights leaving Johannesburg on Thursday and Sunday.

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3.25 Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."

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