Cricket

Australians were too good - lift WC07 convincingly

It was Australia’s third consecutive win. They won over Sri Lanka by 53 runs (D/L method). Although the match was rain-hit, it was Adam Gilcrist’s day all the way. His score of 149 runs in under 100 balls was the highlight of the day and also the highest score in the world cup. Although none of the other Australian batsmen could score at the momentum at which Gilcrist was batting, Australia got to a score of 281/4 in 38 overs. At this point, everyone was already convinced that Australia were going to win.

During Sri Lanka’s chase, Tharanga went out cheaply and left their side just 7-1. Jayasuriya at this time was their only hope and scored a good 63 before being bowled over by Clarke whose ball did not rise much after bouncing on the damp pitch. Sangakkara who started slow got to a good 54 in 52 balls. None of the other batwsmen are worth a mention.

At the end of the day, the rain hit match, was always in favour of the Australians right from the word go when they won the toss and elected to bat.

Most of the latter part of the match was played in very low visibility - no light, and the last 3-4 overs were bowled with almost no light. There was also a point in the match when 2 overs had to be reduced for Sri Lanka due to rain and they were batting without knowing the target - is was a real comic affair. Jayawardene had to point out to the umpires that their target score was missing.

The score was 194/7 when the umpires offered light to the batsmen who accepted it. The Australians started celebrating and the organisers started setting up the ceremony stage when the umpires reminded that the game was not over. Believe it or not, even the 30 yard circle marks had been removed and the scoreboard started congratulating the Australians. Aleem Dar, one of the umpires told them that they had to complete the remaining 3 overs the next day - of course, irritating the Australians and Sri Lankans to the maximum.

The players were forced to get back on the field in total darkness - a complete may hem.

Australia finally won their 3rd consecutive world cup match.

Glen McGrath played his last match and everyone was trying to get a glimpse of him while the match was on in total darkness.

No disappoinments for Sri Lanka, they really played well to get to the finals.

I must say, the Australians have shown the world how to play cricket.