The tough get going

We have been witnessing “Champions Trophy” action for five weeks now and have reached the final game. The expectancy was of high scoring games and the dominance of spin. It all began true to form. In the opening qualifying game Sri Lanka rattled a three hundred plus score and Bangladesh did not let themselves down, getting reasonably close to the target.

It all turned around the very next day, as Zimbabwe failed to reach three figures against the West Indies. From there on the batsmen have had it tough. There has been criticism leveled at the nature of the pitches. The accusations have been that inadequate runs have been produced. One day cricket becomes interesting when lots of runs are scored. More importantly there must be equal contests.

Pace bowlers totally dominated some innings and on a few occasions the entire game. That was tough on the batsmen. Preparing good surfaces consistently for international cricket is never easy. When there, a number of games on the same venue over a few weeks it becomes even more difficult. So it was and a surprise element on Indian soil where quicker bowlers dominated the bat. The teams that were equipped and the teams that adapted progressed.

The surprise, the unbelievable factor, has been failure of India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka to reach the last four. Analyse it any which way, but at least one of them should have made it. Pakistan were weakened without Inzamam-ul-Haq, Shoaib Akthar and Mohamed Asif. Now they will have to make without Shoaib for two years and Asif for one. A huge hole has been made in their bowling armoury. But then, India and Sri Lanka were capable of going all the way. India were disjointed in the tournament. When it mattered neither the batsmen or the bowlers put their hands-up. They lost on the tough points.

Sri Lanka at 181 for 3 wickets in the thirty fourth over looked set for a big total. They were all out for 254 before the allotted fifty overs! A huge let off in that spell of time. That lost them the game and it became harder for them to progress. Good cricket is about playing well for a session, then an innings, then an entire game. The guard must never be dropped.

All four teams that got to the semi final had pacemen who could deliver. As it happens to them ever so of New Zealand could not deliver the knock out punch. They had the Aussies on the mat on occasions when they batted first, but could not capitalize and thus conceded a comfortable win to Ricky Ponting’s team.

The West Indies are currently playing very good cricket. They have improved tremendously in all three departments of the game. The fielding from ordinary, twelve months ago, has become brilliant. The batting and bowling has become disciplined. As a team they are functioning superbly. They are coming-up trumps in the tough situations. In Chris Gayle they now have a match winning player. All indications that they will give Australia a run for their money in the final today. The Aussies are experienced, battle hardened and have the knowledge in how to win the big games. Both teams have been tough and resilient throughout this competition. They richly deserve to be there. A nail biting contest can be expected.