Indian match - crucial for Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka will be starting their ICC World Cup campaign with a relatively easy opponent - minnows Bermuda, in Trinidad today. The Queens Park Oval in Trinidad will also be the venue for our two other Group ‘B’ first round matches against India and Bangladesh.

For most people in the sub-continent, the World Cup is gradually becoming a part of their present daily routine. There is no exception in Sri Lanka and the expectations are high with all sports dreaming of Mahela Jayawardene and his men returning home with that glittering trophy.

But Sri Lanka will have two immediate hurdles to clear. All tickets for the Indo-Lanka tie on March 23 have been sold out. Two days prior to this, Sri Lanka would meet giant killers Bangladesh, who are all out to make their presence felt.

Sri Lanka cannot forget the fact that Bangladesh, coached by our 1996 World Cup mentor Dav Whatmore, is one of the team which could spring a surprise or two.

On the other hand, winner of next Friday’s tie between India and Sri Lanka would be energised with a huge phycological advantage when they sail into the next round. That is going to be the battle for supremacy. The team which could handle crunch situations intelligently would win this all important Group ‘B’ meeting.

As skipper Mahela Jayawardene has pointed out, Sri Lanka will have to take match by match and analyse their strategies. We must keep our cool handling nail-biting tense situations. If we have that will power and mental toughness to handle any situation, then half of the battle is won.

As many local experts and ex-cricketers have pointed out, this is the best chance that we have to win the World Cup. Considering the rich blend of experience and youth we have, I see no reason why we could not keep our World Cup dream alive. What matters are application and final preparations for each game.

Game plans and strategies could vary from match to match but both mental and physical preparation for each game are of utmost importantance. The ninth edition of the ICC World Cup got underway in the Caribbean with a colourful and spectacular opening ceremony.

The hosts paid a fitting tribute to their cricketing legend, Sir Garfield Sobers who graced the opening ceremony as chief guest. It was a double celebration for the host nation as they emerged victorious at Tuesday’s curtain raiser against Pakistan.

Chasing the West Indian total of 241 for 9, the Pakistanis were well set with Mohamed Yousuf and skipper Imzamam-ul-haq sharing that vital 60-run fourth wicket stand.

The turning point of the match was that penetrative spell by Dwayne Smith, who snared three wickets. He was the architect of that sweet 54-run West Indian victory. He cleared the way for that morale boosting West Indian victory, removing dangermen Yousuf and Imzamam.

Even then, the hosts had to survive early shocks to make a match winning total. It was Marlon Samuels who was instrumental in rebuilding the West Indian innings.

The way the West Indians played gave an indication that they have young atoms that would turn explosive and deadly. As skipper Brian Lara has pointed out, players of the calibre of Marlon Samuels, Dwyane Smith Bravo and Dwayne are rare breed of cricketers. They are really special.

Those young players showed good form and would be a decisive factor in the West Indian attempt regain the World Cup after 28 long years.

Similarly, Sri Lanka too could make use of young blood to keep their chances alive.

Players such as to Upul Tharanga, that emerging star opener, have really made their mark. If Sri Lanka could make use of that young talent and use the experience of players such as Sanath Jayasuriya, Marvan Atapattu, Muttiah Muralitharan and Chaminda Vaas, then things should look brighter for the Lankans.

This could well be the last World Cup for the four veteran players, who have vast experience. That’s why we said Sri Lanka is having the best chance to regain the World ‘crown’ this time round.

Jayasuriya, Lara and Sachin Tendulkar will be playing in their farewell World Cup. Despite number of emerging youngsters on show, cricket fans would still be expecting a delicious treat from their willows.

They are the people who could easily change the rhythm of a match. Once they firing start there will be no stopping. They are sure to let their bats to do the talking once more.