There are many good things about this world cup. And now since India is in the final, it becomes one of my favorites too. But then there is also stuff that is more cacophonous than the PA system at the grounds. For starters we all know the painfully mediocre theme song. But a commentator going by the name of Ganguly  have added their own symphony to the loud clangs and cliches that usually emanate from Ravi Shastri during the toss.

Patronizing the pakis is a habit for most and none more so than Ganguly and Manjrekar who just kept on waxing eloquent about the Akmal brothers as if they were their cousins. However, mistakenly Dada did utter a sagacious comment on Sachin's struggles and his reprieves - that Sachin almost looks too embarrassed to continue this innings. And how right he was!! Tendlya who prides himself to play that near-perfect innings everytime he bats, looked like he felt guilty about continuing further and preferring to scratch than refocus. 

And another good commentator Athers, said this about Steve Jamison's book Winning Ugly , where true champions are those that win even while not in rhythm. Sachin taking away the man of the match award just proved how mentally strong he is. Oh well even the Master has an off day.

Here's to the champion firing full cylinders at Wankhede. 

And so.... India have made to the world cup final and not without the hiccups. But victory tastes sweeter against Pakistan and India worked hard for their win today at Mohali. It should be a cracking final against the Lankans on Saturday. What a dream send off it would be for Sachin Tendulkar, the most famous son of the soil, not only of Mumbai but of the nation , a World cup final at home in front of an adoring crowd , a chance to score his 100th international ton, a chance for India to make history with this wonderful set of talented youngsters. Kudos to Mr. Cool Dhoni who has given this team that extra cutting edge. 

Till Saturday then... - Bleed Blue

No it wasn't the war once again but Pakistan must have felt like being in one yesterday. Playing against the Black Caps at the new stadium in Pallekele, the men in Green were left shell shocked at the carnage they faced at the hands of Ross Taylor and company. The Kiwi innings seemed headed for a middling total until the 44th over when Nathan McCullum ignited proceedings by smashing two sixes in the stands. After his dismissal, birthday boy Ross Taylor who had been given two lives on 0 and 8 by butter fingers Kamran, plundered and smashed the Paki attack to all parts. New Zealand fired all the artillery they had and Pakistan had no answer serving up full tosses and wides. The sequence in the last 6 overs read 14,7,28,30,15,20 , an astonishing 114 runs. So terror-stricken were Pakistan, that when they came to bat, they just prodded around and before time were reeling at 23/4. A slight recovery only delayed the inevitable and NZ were worthy winners.

Today India gave another shoddy performance although they beat the Netherlands by a comfortable margin, topped the table and ensured qualification to the next round. A below par score of 189, was shown no respect initially and India raced off the blocks on the Sachin-Sehwag twin engine. A clatter of wickets in the middle saw India in a tricky position at 99/4. A better team would have made India sweat but the experience of Yuvi and Dhoni came in handy. However on the bowling and fielding front, India's performance remained iffy as usual such that it looked like they were out there with complacent expressions and the result being a foregone conclusion. Such attitudes won't take them far and India as I know will pull their socks up when the big boys come calling. The Proteas are next in Nagpur which would make for a fascinating tussle between the best batting team in the tourno and arguably the best bowling attack.

Might I add, a win might put us into a quarterfinals against our western neighbors. Can't wait for that moment.