The WEDNESDAY

I am happy about the way World Cup has gone so far.

We have had some good games, close contests as well as surprises. Teams have played with aggression but have maintained dignity on the field.

For once Australia has been thrown out of the contest. That assures good days for cricket. I hope they learn lessons like sportsman spirit and mutual respect sooner rather than later.

The fact that Pakistan has reached Semi Finals has pleased me.

I had rated them over England in the build up.

Pakistan has the bowling attack and the batting depth you need in a ODI.

Afridi and Razzaq are allrouders any team would be proud of. Umar Gul and Shoaib Akhtar are an ideal opening attack. Saeed Ajmal is just a kind of spinner you would want in the side.

The secrete of winning cricket matches is the have wicket taking bowlers. Pakistan have a handful. Their batting may look weak but Umar Akmal, Yonis Khan, Kamran Akmal can score decent runs against any attack. Add to that late order explosives of Razzak and a hope that Afridi believes in his batting a bit more. Moreover, they have a reputation of not doing what is expected of them. So if its Pakistan, nothing come as a surprise.

The other team to look forward in this World Cup is SL. Though this team too has not performed like a Rock Star they have quietly made their way into the Quarter Final and they start favorites to meet NZ in the Semis.

New Zealand was expected to go to the second round. But like in all major tournaments, they have again achieved what no one thought they would. Their recent for was embarrassing even for the minnows of World Cricket. And when they were up against the "Chokers" one felt that they had a good chance of making it to the next level. However, I will be surprised if they make it to the Finals.

South Africa did what they do the best. Won all the league matches comprehensively - topped the group - and lost their 1st knock out match. Deja vu, if you recall 1996 World Cup. On the other hand, England are fighting hard to stay in the tournament.

I wonder what stuck the ECB. English players have been on tour since November. They had a tough time in Australia but held on the Win the Ashes. Hardly got time to celebrate their victory as the Aussies came hard at them in ODI series. However, an ODI series in Australia would have never been a warm up before the World Cup in India.

This might be the toughest 4 months that and English cricketer will ever experience. No wonder 5 memebers of their original World Cup squad have returned back home. Many of them due to injuries and the recent one due to depression.

When I read about Michael Yardy, I cant stop wondering how strong our Indian players are. They have won almost everything and everywhere in the last year or so. They lost just one match in the league games. They had convincing victories even when they have not played their best cricket. But still people don't want to believe in this team.

I fail to understand the logic behind these statements...

"India loses every time Sachin scores a century" ... the stats say something else

"India cant bat even for 50 ovrs"

"MSD should be kicked out" I think he is the best wicket keeper in the world today and far better than any other Indian keepers.

"Sehwag is hopeless" .... and the bowlers all over fear his presence...

I know these guys have not been at their best. But no one should expect them too. Is it possible to be on your toes everyday. Everybody has a dull day. The beauty is that even when we are not playing up to the potential we manage to win matches.

I doubt if this is a typical negative mentality that every Indian is proud of or just mediocre way of living in the belief that the top spot is not for us. Whatever it is, its time we get out of this mindset and be proud of what we are. I think this team can play with a bit of arrogance around them . This team is right up there in my books.

We are peaking at the right time possibly but at this point I am happy. If Pakistan breaks the jinx and wins against India at Mohali I will be disappointed but not heart broken.

Now on, being the best in business is not going to be enough. We need a bit of luck to win the cup. But if we look at MSD's record as a captain, we can include luck in our plans as well.

The next 2 matches the most important matches this team is ever going to play.

A game against Pakistan might have come a bit earlier in the tournament. Ideally, it would have been the FINAL CLASH. But that would have been too dramatic.

So THE WEDNESDAY is all set to witness the mother of all clashes. Fans will keep watch every second in the clock tick away. Experts might look for every single move to analyse, Media will search for superlatives that might explain the way the 2 teams play.

I wish to see it along with my Pakistani friends. Moreover I hope it is a good game and by the end of the day its CRICKET who wins the hearts of people.

So in the Final I expect India to beat SL and ultimately win the world cup.

Not just because that's they way I and other million Indian fans think hope and pray.

Not just because its a cricket match and India cannot lose it.

Not just because India should win the world cup.

Not just because SL should not win the match

Not just because I still remember Kolkata 96 and want Vinod Kambli to have a last smile.

Not just because I am an Indian.

But because the finals will be played in Mumbai.

because Mumbai is the home of this one man. '

because this man is probably playing his last world cup, surely his last in India.

because this one man has brought delight to everyone who watched him play.

because this one man has served the game devotedly for last 22 years. because he has given so much to the game that he has been a synonym of cricket.

The only way we can acknowledge his feats is by WINNING THE WORLD CUP in Mumbai.

Had John Adair watched him play he would have made TEAM AND TASK a subset of the INDIVIDUAL

Because this one man is SACHIN RAMESH TENDULKAR.