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I was (and probably still am) convinced that Australia and South Africa are leagues ahead of other teams (New Zealand within close proximity though.) I didn’t give Sri Lanka much of a chance against the Proteas today. Especially after their top order crashed only to be restored a little by Arnold and Dilshan. But South Africa powered by Kallis soon put any doubts to rest. Or so we thought.
With only 5 runs left with as many wickets left, everyone in the scarcely populated stadium (has the thought of slashing the prices to fill the seats ever crossed their mind?) was readying to leave when Sri Lanka kicked it up a notch especially Lasith Malinga. Yup! that dude with the crazy hair (after aamcha Sanjaya, of course.) Malinga took it down to the wire and gave South Africa, the perennial chokers, a mighty scare. Now this is the way to kick some excitement in a World Cup prematurely declared dead. Like it or not, sub par performances did India and Pakistan in and now only the best battle it out. Sri Lanka seems to be peaking at the right time.
However, it will take a lot of peaking to put down Australia which steamrolled hapless West Indies.
Technorati Tags: cricket, world cup, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Malinga, hattrick
by Patrix | on Wednesday, March 28th, 2007 at 8:27 pm | 
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March 29th, 2007 at 8:30 am reply
I was watching the game yesterday - in spite of the fact that SAF seemed to be centering to victory, SL never really gave up. Of course, Murali’s two quick wickets helped too. Mailnga’s 4/4 (could easily have been 5/5 - the fifth one just missed the stumps) was amazing. Really an exciting encounter. Makes me love the game again !
SAF’s choking reminded me of the ICC Knock out championship game in Sri Lanka several years ago (- they collapsed quite spectacularly to India in the semis.
Much as the TV tries to show enthusiastic crowds (on the cheaper sections), I noted the empty stands too - it was specially surprising with the home team playing Australia. Bad ticket distribution and pricing policies ?
March 29th, 2007 at 10:21 am reply
Bongo, it seems that SA just cannot shake off that chokers tag. This time, they escaped with a victory but other teams now smell blood. Regards the empty stands, I don’t think WI venues can fill them. And just too far for visitors to make the trip. Especially with India and Pakistan back home.
March 30th, 2007 at 5:23 pm reply
Srilanka will definitely make it to the semi finals and one upset there and they are well through to the finals……atleast they have it in them to keep the audience rooting for them! I’ll take it..they are from my continent aren’t they :)
March 30th, 2007 at 8:02 pm reply
Orchid, there you go! Supporting team just becoz it is from the subcontinent? Jinxing SL, kya? :) But yup! they look spirited enough to go all the way.