Battle of the Neighbours

The team that was eliminated from a world cup tournament by a minnow, the team that has faltered in the past when it was expected to emerge triumphant, the team that has come closer to world-dominance but was caught off-guard many a times, the team that is backed by a population of 1.21 billion people will face yet another test of grit and valor when it faces a team that has made a second successive final appearance and are putting everything behind them to get second time lucky.Ind

There are many similarities between the Indian and Sri Lankan team. To start with both were left biting the dust by the same team Australia in world cup final to end their hopes of a world championship. The teams were the favorites to win the tournament, both team are familiar or if I am allowed to say “over-familiar” with each other as their numerous encounters in the past three-four year suggest so. Both the teams are facing injury woes with their key players catching injuries at the wrong time. Both the teams are fairly balanced. Both of them captained by a wicketkeeper.

So it won’t be our batting v\s their bowling or vice-versa. It will be a battle among equals. An encounter that would allow only one team to prove their might. The team that utilizes their resources judiciously and hold their nerves will emerge victorious. This might sound a little trite but this is what the truth is. One cannot really judge what advantage one has over the other. One might say one difference between our side and theirs happens to be fielding. But to those who are dwelling too much into this aspect need to see a repeat telecast of the Indian fielding against Pakistan where each member of the team be it Munaf or Raina, were throwing themselves over every short that came their way and thus producing one of their best fielding performances in this world cup.

Both the teams want to give a grand farewell gift to their respective legends of the game in the form of world cup trophy. The inspiration that a Murali or a Tendulkar impart to a team is unseen and unheard of. So it will be a battle of nerves and wits and patience. Surely the home team would be having the advantage of home ground but the irony is playing in front of your own people brings in the extra pressure. So, Good Luck to both the teams. May cricket emerge victorious.