Perhaps the most electrifying and captivating match of the World Cup has come and gone with India’s win over Pakistan in Mohali, but as with any World Cup Final, two of Asia’s best are set for a showdown in India’s “other capital city”; Mumbai.
Three out of the four teams playing in the semi-finals were from the sub-continent but now with just two teams ready to duel it out at the legendary Wankhede Stadium, Indian and Lankan fans are looking towards a victory and with it, a reason to celebrate and cap-off over 30 days of non-stop cricket and to maintain ever-precious bragging rights over their neighbors, at the least for a short while.
India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have each hoisted the trophy once in the history of the ICC World Cup. With Pakistan eliminated from the picture, the moment for the remaining two heavy slugging teams in the area has arrived.
Even though the final is being played in the heart of India, both teams are matched evenly and Sri Lanka is always up for some unpredictable and volatile cricket, especially while their players are wielding a bat. For the Lankans, the currently in-form Dilshan and Team Captain Sangakkara are the notable players who can change the course of a match with a few well-timed shots.
In the Indian camp, Yuvraj and Sehwag are normally the ones taking big risks and big shots. Sachin Tendulkar’s will be playing in his last World Cup and all eyes are on the “Little Maestro” to put up his 100th International Century at the biggest match on the biggest stage of international cricket.
This World Cup final will be the first since 1992 where Australia are not involved. Sri Lanka have fought hard to get to the final and India have battled past demons in the form of Australia and Pakistan to advance to a well-deserved finals appearance.
