Game to stop a subcontinent
The Age
Wednesday March 30, 2011
INDIA'S parliament is shutting up shop at 2.30 pm. A large screen has been erected in the halls of debate. Mumbai's taxi drivers are taking the day off. Companies are asking their employers to arrive at 7 am promising to stop work in time for the first ball. They, too, have put up screens in offices and on factory floors. Otherwise no one would turn up for work. Meanwhile, space has to be found at the small local airport for an extra 50 private planes.The Melbourne Cup might stop a nation. India versus Pakistan in the World Cup stops a subcontinent. And it promises to be a fascinating, tense tussle between two strong sides. In some respects semi-finals are harder because no one remembers the vanquished. The victor will face the winner of the overnight contest between Sri Lanka and New Zealand staged on the latter's home turf in Colombo.Cast as a battle between India's batting and Pakistan's bowling and played before a baying crowd, the match in Mumbai ought to be memorable. Having outstared doom against Australia, the Indians may conclude their time has come. Advised by a government minister to avoid match-fixing, the Pakistanis may feel at once affronted and motivated. They, too, have come along way, further than expected. In that regard they have nothing to lose or nothing except a nation's foolishly attached pride.India's strength lies in the depth and vigour of its batting. Sachin Tendulkar remains the master of all he surveys but, though the spotlight is still on him, the pressure has been spread wider. Virender Sehwag is properly fit again, Virat Kohli looks at home, Suresh Raina will take confidence from his vital innings against Australia and Mahendra Singh Dhoni knows his mustard.Nevertheless, Yuvraj Singh is regarded as the most dangerous batsman. Already he was taken three man-of-the-match awards in this cup. Previously dismissed as a swiper with an inflated reputation, Yuvraj has emerged as a powerful and destructive batsman with a sturdy temperament. Nowadays he keeps the ball on the floor and looks fitter. His bowling has helped because it means he can be certain of his place.India's weakness is its bowling. One wag on Cricinfo has suggested that India has been devastated by the news that Ashish Nehra and Munaf Patel are fit. However, Zaheer Khan has been superb and Harbhajan steady but the Pakistanis will feel they can dominate.Pakistan's main asset is its bowling. Shahid Afridi is the leading wicket-taker in the tournament and Umar Gul has been the best speedster. Gul's another player transformed since his last visit Down Under. Armed with the new ball, he approaches the crease with long strides, uses his height, musters a fine pace and swing the ball away from the bat. In short, he is a handful. If he can take a couple of early wickets the story might change.Pakistan's batting has been steadied by the recall of the two elders, Younus Khan and Misbah Ul Haq, and by the form show by the mercurial Akmal brothers. Afridi, too, can give the ball a wallop while Asad Shafiq is resilient first drop.Both teams are capably coached and both are captained by characters expressing their contrasting traditions, Dhoni, the cool, slightly detached and committed Indian; Afridi, his impassioned, volatile and dangerous counterpart. If Pakistan can get going it ought to be a cracker.WORLD CUP FINALSSEMI-FINALSPakistan v IndiaMohali, today, 7pmTV: Fox Sports 3New Zealand v Sri LankaPlayed overnightGo to theage.com.au for detailsFINALMumbai, Saturday, 7pm
© 2011 The Age
