The nightmarish memories from the 1996 Cricket World Cup semi-final still continue to haunt the Indian cricket fans. We've managed to show the exit door to Pakistan and now it's time to settle some score with the Lankans. 121 billion souls would be counting on the 'Men in Blue' to get their dream come true.
The World Cup has now reached the sub-continent. In a 'first' two Asian nations would be battling each other in the final. There's no Australia now for a change. 'India vs Sri Lanka' looks like a fitting finale. The duel is going to be a 'Battle of Equals' as both teams have their fare share of weaknesses and strengths. Both host nations have played good cricket during the tournament and deserve to feature in the final.
Injured Nehra is most likely miss the Saturday showpiece while legendary Muttaiah Muralitharan is all set to defy his injury to play his last international cricket match. All rounder Agnelo Matthews has also been ruled out from final 'eleven' for the Lankan team. What better time than now, what better place than this for Sachin to smash his 100th ton.
Quite like the India vs Pakistan match, this one too would be a 'test of nerves'. Team India would have to capitalise on its batting strength and watch out for two lethal weapons in Sri Lanka's armour: Lasith Malinga and Muttaiah Muralitharan. Sehwag is expected to spend more time on the pitch. “Dear Viru, for good Lord's sake, do not play an irresponsible shot and throw away your wicket” would the clamour of cricket fans. 'Captain Cool' has not had a good run with the bat in this World Cup. Things could tilt in India's favour, should Dhoni shine with his bat.
As a regular practice, the 'Men in Blue' were declared to be the favourites to bring the cup home, even before the tournament commenced. (On the eve of the final, they still remain the favourites). There were times during the World Cup when things took a bad shape (The loss against South Africa was a big setback). But India kept the nerve. We didn't play the best of cricket, albeit¸ there was super-strong display of character and grit accompanied by some brilliant team effort. And thus we have reached this far.
Come what may, India should not commit the grave error of taking Sri Lanka lightly. The team comprises poised batsmen and innovative bowlers who have the potential to bounce back in the toughest of situations and can give any team a run for its money.
The game is also being billed as 'Sachin vs Murali' match. The two men are quintessence of greatness in their respective domains. One of them is the 'messiah of batting'; the other one a 'magician of spin'. And they share the same dream: Winning the World Cup. The sad part out here is that only one out of the two dreams would be realised. Muralitharan is due to retire after this match and there are extremely faint chances of seeing Sachin play the next World Cup. Both teams would thus strive hard to win the Cup and dedicate the victory to these two legends.
On the eve of the World Cup final, every Indian harbours one dream: 'Repeat 1983', for that would be the best gift to the master blaster Sachin Tendulkar on his home ground, for that would be the ideal way to bid adieu to Coach Kirsten, for that would be an experience to cherish for those born after 1983. The road to final has been full of jolts. But we have overcome glitches and reached this far. There's no looking back now. We're just one step short of peaking in ICC's ODI rankings, an achievement which would shine like two jewels in our crown, the first being our rank 1 in test rankings. It's time to put the pedal on the medal and give some show-stopping performance. It's time to do wonders in Wankhede.
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