SHOWDOWN - THE GRAND FINALE - WORLD CUP 2007

History beckons the team from Down Under. In 2003, they were the first team to win three World Cups. Tomorrow, they will have the opportunity to win their third consecutive title, an achievement that will drive home the point even to the greatest of their detractors that this is by-far the best team of all-time.

Dad' Army they were called before the tournament began. Maybe the cool and pristine surroundings in the Caribbean rejuvenated the lot. The statistics speak for themselves. Glenn Mcgrath and Matthew Hayden may be 37 and 35 respectively, but they seem to be enjoying the best form of their ODI career, topping the batting and bowling charts with ease.

If Australia achieves the feat, then skipper Ricky Ponting, vice-captain and 'keeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist and McGrath will the first players to have won the tournament thrice (as players that is). But they face a tough nemesis in Sri Lanka, whose coach Tom Moody will also be looking forward to a third triumph. Moody was part of the Australian sides in 1987 and 1999; in the latter he played alongside Ponting, Gilchrist and McGrath.

Australia would have already accomplished the hat-trick of wins had the Lankans not beaten them in 1996. On the Lankan side, Sanath Jayasuriya, Muttiah Muralitharan, Chaminda Vaas and Marvan Atapattu remain from that victorious squad. The Aussies may not have bitter memories though, since the only players in the team today are Ponting and McGrath - two players who have gone on to achieve many greater glories in international cricket.

Sri Lanka go into the finals with an equal chance of winning, as their bowling attack is on par if not more potent than Australia's. The way Lasith Malinga bowled on Tuesday was phenomenal, and it remains to be seen how he comes up against a formidable Aussie top-order, if he can repeat the perfromance that is. Muttiah Muralitharan is the key player. Last time when these teams met, Sri Lanka rested Malinga, Murali and Vaas. Sri Lanka failed to defend the score of 226 that they had put up. However, with the trio back, any score near that one would make for a compelling final. But the Lankans could be put on the back foot if Hayden attacks Vaas and Farveez Maharoof, who may get the nod ahead of the struggling Dilhara Fernando.

The Sri Lankan batting has looked shaky, but skipper Mahela Jayawardene will be the man that McGrath and Co. will be gunning for, apart from the dangerous Sanath Jayasuriya. Last time around, the Aussies bowlers had Sri Lanka on the mat at 27-3, but Jayawardene and Chamara Silva led a fightback and the Lankans would have been disappointed not to have scored more than 250.

For the Lankans, middle-order bat Chamara Silva has played in this World Cup at the expense of the experienced Marvan Atapattu. Interestingly, Atapattu was also on the bench during Sri Lanka's 1996 winning campaign. A lucky charm? But then no other cricket team in the world has debunked charms, horoscopes and other myths as nonchalantly as this Australian side has.

Australia v/s Sri Lanka
Saturday, April 28
AKG: Sri Lanka
MJV: Australia

Match starts at 1900 IST on DD-1, SET MAX (English) and SAB TV (Hindi).

SHOWDOWN - SUPER EIGHT - MATCH DAY 24

The last match of the Super Eights will see the hosts playing England. Both teams would be disappointed with the fact that they would not be taking further part int he tournament, especially the Windies. It will a good stage for batsmen like Chris Gayle, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Brian Lara, Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Strauss to leave a mark on this World Cup. This match will be the last international game for Brian Lara, though a few more may be on their way out.

England v/s West Indies
AKG: England
MJV: West Indies

Match scheduled to start at 1900 IST on SET MAX (English) and SAB TV (Hindi).

SHOWDOWN - SUPER EIGHT - MATCH DAY 23

Since there's no more competition for semi-final berths apart from the the final standings, we decided to do the showdowns for the rest of the Super Eight matches early (also yours truly needed a break). The Kangaroos take on the Kiwis today, and it is surely going to be a battle. New Zealand would be hoping that they can avoid playing the Sri Lankans in the semis, for which they need to win the match for starters. Australia, on the other hand, would also know that Muttiah Muralitharan can easily wreck their chances of a treble.

However, both teams would need to focus on this match first. Shane Bond has troubled Australia in the past and Kiwi skipper Stephen Fleming will be hoping that the bowler rises to the occassion. Bond though has looked slightly off-pace though his swing and line have generally been on target. Perhaps being pitted against the tearaway bowler Shaun Tait would spur him to bowl that much quicker.

New Zealand have had successes in the recent past against the Aussies but no one has beaten this side in the World Cup for a good 26 matches. This one should be a thriller, especially if the Aussies are given a target to chase. It would be good preparation for them, though handling Daniel Vettori and Jeetan Patel well by no way means that the champions are ready to face Murali.

Australia v/s New Zealand
Our predictions:
AKG: New Zealand
MJV: Australia

Match scheduled to start at 1900 IST on DD-1, SET MAX (English) and SAB TV (Hindi).

SHOWDOWN - SUPER EIGHT - MATCH DAY 22

Ireland played their last match of the Cup yesterday and today's match will be the last for Bangladesh. They are up against the West Indies, a team that will be looking to salvage some pride after their disastrous run in the Super Eight stage. It will be interesting to see the line-up for the Windies, if skipper Brian Lara will play or not. Wish Lara steps up and lights up this World Cup with his brilliance, even though it will be a little too late.

Our predictions:
Bangladesh v/s West Indies
AKG: West Indies
MJV: Bangladesh. If they bat first, a score of around 200 would be a fighting total to defend once their three left-armers come on to bowl. The shot selection of some of their batsmen, including the classy Mohammed Ashraful, is awful. Aftab Ahmed is a dozen runs and done kind of batsman at the moment.

Match scheduled to start at 1900 IST on SET MAX (English) and SAB TV (Hindi).

SHOWDOWN - SUPER EIGHT - MATCH DAY 21

Today's match is only significant as Sri Lanka might just slip to fourth place if they lose to Ireland. Anyways, if Sri Lanka win today or lose by a narrow margin then they are set to most probably face the Kiwis in the semis at Jamaica's Sabina Park. But if the Kiwis complete a shock and convincing rout of the Aussies, then the Lankans are up against Ponting and Co. for the second time in three matches.

Ireland will feature in their last match of he tournament and most of these cricketers will return to their workplaces back home, very well knowing that this World Cup will always be the highpoint of their sporting careers. They bought a sense of joy to this World Cup, and the 'Chicken Dance' is just one of the few examples. Hope the world has one more cricketing nation to look up to.

Ireland v/s Sri Lanka
AKG: Ireland
MJV: Sri Lanka

Match scheduled to start at 1900 IST on SET MAX (English) and SAB TV (Hindi).

SHOWDOWN - SUPER EIGHT - MATCH DAY 20

Key players won't be rested today. That's because if either England or South Africa lose today's match, they are out of the tournament. Predictions -

England v/s South Africa
AKG: England
MJV: South Africa
Match scheduled to start at 1900 IST on DD-1, SET MAX (English) and SAB TV (Hindi).

SHOWDOWN - SUPER EIGHT - MATCH DAY 19

Yours truly is left alone to do the showdowns from now onwards, since Ashok has moved on to greater things (this shall be mentioned soon in the About Us page). However, I think I can predict for him considering the affection he has for the Australian side.

Australia's not lost a single match in the last three World Cups and one feels that the remaining two matches will be a good test for this team of 'Invincibles.' The Aussies take on Sri Lanka today and will play against the Black Caps later this week.

Sri Lanka have, as experts suggest, a bowling attack on par with Australia. Lasith Malinga (who may miss out today), Chaminda Vaas and Dilhara Fernando are maybe a bit behind in ability compared to Glenn McGrath, Shaun Tait and Nathan Bracken. However, Sanath Jayasuriya and Mutthiah Muralitharan and Tilekaratne Dilshan are much bigger match-winners with the ball than Brad Hogg, Andrew Symonds, and Michael Clarke.

Had the Lankans not beaten the Aussies to be World Champions in 1996, the Kangaroos would have already had their treble of World Cup trophies. Though a unfavourable result in this match can't stop the Aussies from having a go at the treble, it would surely end their winning streak and more importantly increase the confidence of the team that will face them in the semis. Our predictions :

Australia v/s Sri Lanka
MJV for AKG: Sri Lanka
MJV: Sri Lanka needs to bat first and score 260 if not more for a chance of winning. And Jayawardene should be quick on the go to bring Murali as soon as possible when Australia is chasing. Captains need to stop worrying too much about the powerplays. The more important task is picking up wickets, and if the Sri Lankan spinners can't do that in the 30 non-powerplay overs, there's no way I see them eke out a win. But the Aussies still remain favourites.

Match scheduled to start at 1900 IST on DD-1, SAB TV and SET MAX.

SHOWDOWN - SUPER EIGHT - MATCH DAY 18

The clash of the 'minnows' the scribes call it, also a watered-down version for those fans who were expecting a Indo-Pak clash. This match for sure won't be short on enthusiasm or the competitive spirit. Had the Bangladeshi batsmen put on more runs on the board against England, perhaps this match would have assumed even more significance. If they fail today and lose, it would be a disappointment since they are the higher-ranked team. Also, it would nullify the positives of defeating India and South Africa. On the other hand, Ireland could become the 12th team on the ICC's one-day rankings if they beat Bangladesh today. And their best chance to register their first win in this stage would be against Bangladesh.

Our predictions:
Bangladesh v/s Ireland
AKG: Ireland
MJV: Bangladesh

Match scheduled to start at 1900 IST on SET MAX (English) and SAB TV (Hindi).

SHOWDOWN - SUPER EIGHT - MATCH DAY 16

It's Friday the 13th, and Ashok is looking forward to Ireland shocking Australia. Mathew realises it's the Aussies and feels that it's a good chance for Hussey and Symonds to make big scores.

Australia v/s Ireland
AKG: Ireland
MJV: Australia
Match scheduled to start at 1900 IST on SET MAX (English) and SAB TV (Hindi).

SHOWDOWN - SUPER EIGHT - MATCH DAY 15

New Zealand v/s Sri Lanka
AKG: New Zealand
MJV: Sri Lanka
Match starts at 1900 IST on SET MAX (English) and SAB TV (Hindi).

SHOWDOWN - SUPER EIGHT- MATCH DAY 14

Today's game should be an interesting one. Bangladesh take on England at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. Our quick predictions for today -
Bangladesh v/s England
AKG: England
MJV: Bangladesh

Match scheduled to start at 1900 IST on SET MAX (English) and SAB TV (Hindi).

SHOWDOWN - SUPER EIGHT - MATCH DAY 13

Hosts West Indies take on the recently dethroned World No. 1 team South Africa in a crucial encounter today. The Windies desperately need a win to stay alive in the tournament, while another loss for South Africa after the defeat to Bangladesh will add to the excitement in the scramble for semi-final berths. However, South Africa face a stern test against the West Indies. When it comes to big tournaments such as the World Cup and the Champions Trophy, the Proteas have come a cropper against the men from the Caribbean. Lara and Co. will be hoping to once again squeeze out a win against the 'chokers.' Below are our predictions for today -

South Africa v/s West Indies
AKG: South Africa. They will definitely bounce back from the Bangladesh loss. The Windies better watch out.
MJV: West Indies. The time is ripe for the hosts to revive their chances of winning a World Cup. A victory would surely electrify the atmosphere in the islands.

Match starts at 1900 IST on SET MAX (English) and SAB TV (Hindi).

SHOWDOWN - SUPER EIGHT - MATCH DAY 11

With South Africa's loss to Bangladesh, the competition for semi-final places has been thrown wide open. England's campaign will ge a big boost if they manage to beat the Aussies today.

Australia v/s England
AKG: England
MJV: Australia
Match starts at 1900 IST on SET MAX (English), SAB TV (Hindi) and DD-1.

SHOWDOWN - SUPER EIGHT - MATCH DAY 10

Here's our predictions for today.
Bangladesh v/s South Africa
AKG: South Africa
MJV: Bangladesh

Match scheduled to start at 1900 IST on SET MAX (English) and SAB TV (Hindi). Do check DD-1 as well.

SHOWDOWN - SUPER EIGHT - MATCH DAY 9

Here's our predictions for today.
England v/s Sri Lanka
AKG: England
MJV: Sri Lanka

Match scheduled to start at 1900 IST on SET MAX (English) and SAB TV (Hindi). Do check DD-1 as well.

SHOWDOWN - SUPER EIGHT - MATCH DAY 8

The Irish will be hoping that they can do more than just scare South Africa today. Ireland had nearly upset the Proteas in the warm-ups and had them reeling after putting them in on a track that favoured the bowlers. However, South Africa managed to sail through in the end.

Ireland v/s South Africa
Predictions:
AKG: South Africa
MJV: South Africa, though I would want to see at least one upset in the Super Eights. At least, it will make for interesting cricket. Bangladesh showed promise yesterday, but were disappointing to say the least. Many fans would be cursing the fact that India is not playing.
Match scheduled to start at 1900 IST on SET MAX and SAB TV.

SHOWDOWN - SUPER EIGHT - MATCH DAY 7

Bangladesh will be hoping to repeat their win in the warm-ups over New Zealand at Antigua today.

Bangladesh v/s New Zealand
Our predictions for today.
AKG: New Zealand
MJV: Bangladesh, though the head still favours the Kiwis. I hope Tamim Iqbal does well; the young lad is wonderful to watch or perhaps it was the shoddy Indian bowling that made him look like a wristy Saeed Anwar with the strong arms of a Jayasuriya.

Match scheduled to start at 1900 IST on SET MAX (English) and SAB TV (Hindi). Not sure about DD-1, but do check when Bangladesh or Sri Lanka are playing.

SHOWDOWN - SUPER EIGHT - MATCHDAY 2

South Africa face Sri Lanka today, while the West Indies will start their run-chase against Australia if the weather permits. South Africa will be very wary of the Sri Lankan spinners. On the other side, the southpaw-dominated Lankan top order will be hoping to tackle Pollock and Co. the way Australia did. However, for that someone will need to fire.

From now on we shall try to bring you a further analysis than just predictions, time permitting that is. Mathew feels teams are perhaps reading a bit too much into Australia’s recent unsuccessful total defences and the way Hayden is going, it may not be a good idea to put them in first on good tracks.

Here’s our prediction for today.
South Africa v/s Sri Lanka
AKG: South Africa
MJV: Sri Lanka
Match starts 1900 IST on SET MAX (English) and SAB TV (Hindi).

Showdown - Matchday Thirteen

The last match of the group stages shall see Bangladesh take on Bermuda.

Our prediction:
Bangladesh v/s Bermuda
AKG and MJV: Bangladesh. If Bermuda does, Mathew thinks India will win the World Cup.
Match starts at 1900 IST on SET MAX.

Showdown - Matchday Twelve

Supporters of the Indian team may be mourning the looming exit (since Bangladesh still need to beat Bermuda) of the Indian cricket team, but today a cracker of a match is on offer. The world's top two sides - South Africa and Australia (in order of rankings)- square-off at the Warner Park Stadium, St.Kitts and Nevis.

The other match of the day features England and Kenya. Kenya will be hoping to defeat England to qualify for the next round and rid criticism that its 2003 performance was largely due to the the unwillingness of the Kiwis to travel to Nairobi.

Our predictions for today.

South Africa v/s Australia
AKG and MJV: South Africa.
Match starts at 1900 IST on SET MAX and DD-1.

England v/s Kenya
AKG: England
MJV: Kenya
Match starts at 1900 IST on SAB TV.

Hopefully, if India exits the tournament, we should at least get to watch some more action in between the ads. I guess the only team that has done worse than the Indian cricket team is the production team for this World Cup. Hope to view something better, as this team in all probability can't be knocked out till the tournament ends.