da lvbet： The toss has played an important role in a few games in this WorldCup, especially in the day/night encounters
Krish Srikkanth20-Mar-2003The toss has played an important role in a few games in this WorldCup, especially in the day/night encounters. But at Durban onThursday, I do not expect the Indian batsmen to struggle, even if theyare to bat second under lights. With the kind of form Sachin Tendulkarand the rest of the batsmen are in, this game should be a cakewalk forthem.
© ReutersTheoretically, Kenya has a chance, as any team going into a gamewould. But it will take a really shoddy performance from India if theyare to lose to Steve Tikolo’s men. That said, Kenya has done reallywell to become the first non-Test playing nation to get to the semifinal. They have played with a lot of passion, and above all fieldedbrilliantly in this tournament.But when it comes to their bowling, I cannot sadly be as effusive inmy praise. I feel that the weak Kenyan bowling will struggle to holdtheir own against power-packed Indian-batting line-up and that meansthe result of the contest is more or less decided. Martin Suji canpose a few problems to the toporder batsmen, but with Tendulkar athis marauding best, I wouldn’t be surprised if he goes after Suji inthe initial overs. Collins Obuya, whose performances have come underthe spotlight after the early departure of Shane Warne, would alsofinding the going tough. Ganguly, in particular, will be one man whowould looking to feast on his leg-spinners.In the previous game against Kenya, India showed signs of complacency.I am sure that they will be a lot more focused at Durban, and theywould come out and play their natural game. It is important thatsomeone like Virender Sehwag gets his confidence back ahead of a bigfinal against Australia.One player who deserves special mention is Mohammad Kaif; he seems tobe relishing the extra responsibility of batting higher up in theorder. After all the struggle in the initial phase of this World Cup,it must be a big relief for him and the whole country that Kaif isback to his best.
© ReutersOn a personal note, it is quite sad to see someone like Aravinda deSilva retiring from the game. He has done so well for Sri Lanka overthe years, and it could have only been befitting if he were to haveretired after a big World Cup final. Looking back at the first semifinal, I think there are lessons in it for the Indians too. Sri Lankawere well in control in the first half of the game when they bowledsuperbly to restrict Australia. But I think Jayasuriya started to getthings wrong towards the end of the Australian innings; bowlingGunaratne in the 49th over was asking for punishment.When it came to the chase, they did not look like a team that had anyplan at all. And after Brett Lee bowled the delivery of thistournament so far to dismiss Marvan Atapattu, Australia took controlof the game.The Australians are a professional side, and India will have to bewell prepared to take on the best side in world cricket today. Thegame against Kenya, then, is a very good opportunity to try out a fewthings. Maybe a promotion in the batting order for Yuvraj Singh is oneway to go about it, for that boy is a genuine match-winner.