Ah, so that's what a player with a lot of experience brings to the table. Batting sensibly when the conditions are unfavorable and then picking an opportune time to have a go at the bowlers. Sanath Jayasuriya did all this and much more in Sri Lanka's drubbing of West Indies.
Jayasuriya's knock was fantastic. Under helpful conditions, the WI bowlers did a good job of not giving him any room to play his shots. Jayasuriya had to bide his time patiently - that he did admirably and it wasn't till the 17th over that he finally started going after the bowlers. It was a great batting display which we hope the Indian cricket stars caught on TV. They could learn a thing or two.
We've said this before and will probably say it again: SL and NZ are the only teams that are capable of beating Australia. This match further confirms our belief. SL, after a very slow start, went on to make 303 in their 50 overs. For WI to stand a chance, Gayle and Lara had to fire. They didn't and the match was lost.
We never thought that the WI team had any chance of winning the world cup but we are amazed at how they are unravelling. They can't even claim that pressure is playing a part because it seems like no one in the WI really cares about how Lara and his boys fare. It is sad that all is not well with team. They didn't look all that happy out in the field. To be fair, it very well could be because Jayasuriya was kicking their collective arses.
WI and England remind us of the Indian team. They have the same uncertainty about them. In terms of drama, the match between WI and England will be a classic. This match will see-saw several times with each team trying to lose and finally the undeserving side will win. We are marking our calendar for that match: April 21. By that time, both teams will probably not stand of chance of making it to the semi-final. That should add to the drama.
As of today, our picks for the semifinal are: Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka. Tomorrow, its the black caps turn to teach Bangladesh a cricket lesson. We will go out on a limb and say NZ will beat Bangladesh. Any takers?
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