Who is going to win it?
Cricket fever has gripped the sub-continent on the eve of the World
Cup final between India and Sri Lanka on Saturday.
Here are the thoughts of some former players on how the first
all-Asian final will play out.
Imran Khan
Captained Pakistan to 1992 World Cup triumph "The pressure of playing
in a semi-final is greater than a final. As India and Pakistan faced off
in the semis-finals ... India have gone through the test by fire. India
will go on to win with the great self-belief they have built up."
Dilip Vengsarkar
Former India captain "The way they are playing, India will definitely
beat Sri Lanka. I will make it 60:40 in India's favour."
Steve Waugh
Captained Australia to 1999 World Cup title "A script writer could
not have written a better story for Sachin (Tendulkar) as he gets to
play a World Cup final in his hometown. History beckons for this Indian
team."
Arjuna Ranatunga
Captained Sri Lanka to 1996 World Cup win "I am a bit concerned about
Sri Lanka's middle order ... it is struggling a fair deal. But my heart
still says Sri Lanka will win."
Clive Lloyd
Captained West Indies to 1975 and 1979 Cup wins "The team that gets
all the disciplines right will have the edge in the final. I am tilted
towards India."
Allan Border
Captained Australia to 1987 World Cup title "I believe Sri Lanka have
the ability to upset India. They have a strong spin attack. Indians
showed their susceptibility in facing quality spin bowling in (the
semi-final) in Mohali."
Kapil Dev
Captained India to 1983 World Cup title "Being an Indian with the
final taking place in our country, I will definitely favour India to
win. But all the Sri Lankan players are dangerous and they are playing
as a team."
Mark Waugh
Former Australia batsman "Indian bowling is coming together well,
almost peaking superbly as the tournament has gone on and that should
augur well for the side." Reuters |