... it is fatigue that is making the Indian players to throw a lack lustre performance in World T20. Fatigue doesn’t mean that the players are physically tired; it just means that the players are mentally tired of playing more games and winning. The boys badly need a break and some time off cricket as much as the cricket viewing public in India do.
Anyway, the intention of this post, despite the title, was not to discuss India’s lack lustre performance but to guess who’ll make it to the finals.
South Africa vs Pakistan:
Probably, the flawless team in world cricket. Everyone does everything! What a team it is. India capitulated to some strong short-pitch deliveries from Sidebottom the other day. That was understandable. It was Lord’s and the short balls were from genuine pace bowlers. But, the way India surrendered meekly to South African spin bowling was horrible! Or, maybe, it’s just that SA’s battery of spin bowling right read and exploited the conditions. Now, SA has great pace attack, great spin attack to dismantle even the team that’s touted to have the best players of spin, has by far the best fielding side, and probably the best batsmen. And then, they also carry the ‘chokers’ tag.
Pakistan is so wonderfully fickle, which makes them the most interesting side to watch in the competition. They have individual brilliances but rarely come together as a unit. But then, they don’t need to and the format of the competition doesn’t demand it either. A couple of brilliant performances from match-winners like Gul, Afridi, and Misba-ul-haq will turn the tide completely! Tonight’s going to be a Sivaraathri!
West Indies vs Sri Lanka:
Yes, Chris, teams fear you but not long ago they (English media) rubbished you as well. West Indies is the 2nd most fickle side in the competition and it’s wonderful that they along with Pakistan are in the semis. On their day, Windies can beat any team in the world just by individual brilliances. But, they also present a story of woeful capitulation just like India when you least expect it. Watch out for Gayle, Fletcher, Bravo, and Edwards – the 4 match winners.
Sri Lanka have been the most clinical side next to South Africa. While SA is aided by team discipline, Sri Lanka is helped by excellence in individual departments. Jayasuriya and Dilshan can toast the opposition from both sides of the wicket. When either of them fall early, there is always the dependable duo of Sangakkara and Jaywardane. And you have match-winning bowlers in Murali and Mendis. And, people still find it difficult to clear Malinga’s battery of Yorkers.
Finally...
While everyone would bet their money on a SA vs SL final, I’d put mine on Pak vs SL. Pakistan has nothing to lose while SA will be under pressure to shed the chokers’ tag. Windies have already lost against SL (albeit in a high-scoring match, where there was little to choose between the two teams) and may come back stronger having read Mendis to some extent. But, along with Murali’s round-the-wicket stranglers and Malinga’s Yorkers, Sri Lankan batsmen can pull the match in their favour.
Methinks, 1996 will be repeated!
