It is fourth time in a row that the final fight is going to be between an Asian team and Australia. In 1999 it was Pakistan who were bundled out for just 132 and in 2003 India were routed when the Kangaroos hit 359/2. Will the lankans be able to break the jinx?

The way they played so far, says they should be able to do it, but with some sort of pressure. Sri Lanka have been beaten in the world cup only twice. Australia beat them once. But a little heroic by Lasith Malinga, stole the limelight while South Africa struggled to beat them. And that says all about Sri Lanka. They’ve got loads of variety in bowling and are extremely quick with fielding.

Batting is a problem, but just imagine if Jayasuriya gets in. Though this Sri Lankan team looks the best team so far amongst the team that reached the finals, one still cannot take Aussies easy.

Martina Navratilova once said, “That greatness is not how you play when you are at your best, but you play when you are at your worst”. Australian’s well they seemed to have shaped themselves around exactly these words.

Hayden has been doing extremely good, and the tougher the situation, the tougher he gets. Gilly is not at  his best, but with a touch of luck he will spell doom for Sri Lanka. Ponting… is slowly charting his way to be the best ODI batsmen, with loads of success rate. Clarke and Hussey - my oh my these five are enough. But then there is Watson or Symonds or both to handle. It is just too much. And you have Bracken and Hogg who can bat, and are extremely good with ball as well. Not to forget the youngster Tait, who can be the only weakling. But to cover him up there is the one and only McGrath. If any of the two names mention above gets going, then all…and I mean that…ALL the 11 members of SL should give in their best.  Add to this that SIX of Aussie team played the last big final only makes the task too hard for SL.
I would say chances are Aus - Sl : 90 - 10. But then, remember SL gave a shot to Australia in 1996 in almost home conditions. And that is what the Lankans will like to take advantage of - the conditions that are similar to home.

All said, Cricket is a wonderful game - it is not just about physique, or character, it is more than that. It is slowing down, when some fails, and picking up once settled. It is not to be bash some one else’s weaknesses, but to bring out the best in a person all the time. One mistake you are gone.

This is Cricket at its best. Don’t be doing too many things on Saturday!