Anticipation high for second semi
St Lucia - The sun is shining brightly above the picturesque Beausejour Cricket Ground, and there is a real sense of anticipation for what many are calling the real World Cup final.
Most of the people I have spoken to – including South Africans – have the Aussies down as favourites but recognise that the Proteas have the firepower at the top of the order to really put Australia under pressure.
As long as they survive the early movement, South Africa are in an excellent position to do just that having won the toss.
Although most of the group games here were played on slowish wickets, the one for the semi-final was first used by New Zealand’s Brendan McCullum a month ago to hit the fastest World Cup half century ever. Shortly afterwards, Canada’s John Davison almost matched him.
South Africa’s coach Mickey Arthur has been repeating his mantra of “confidence, calmness and patience” and it seems to have rubbed off, with his team obviously more relaxed since beating England to qualify for the semi-final.
Australia are self-assured but coach John Buchanan will not let that become arrogance. Asked if he was worried about anything going into the clash he replied: “I’m always worried about something.”
Asked last weekend who would win the tournament, England captain Michael Vaughan said, "Whoever wins from Australia and South Africa." Both sides have already beaten Sri Lanka in the tournament, although Mahela Jayawardene's side looked outstanding against New Zealand.
Nearby Rodney Bay was abuzz on Tuesday night, with fans arriving by plane and cruise ship and a concert by reggae dancehall star Sean Paul being staged just about within hearing distance of the team hotel.
The local organising committee said on the eve of the match 18,000 tickets had been sold so far, which would be a record for this newly expanded venue, nestled in the forested hills near Gros Islet in the north of the island, but with room for 6,000 more.
The roads leading there in the morning were lined with canary yellow, with two interesting variations. There is a pastiche on the classic 1992 World Cup shirt, complete with pink stripes and the Cathy Freeman-style unitard, which must get pretty uncomfortable when you work up a sweat.
The stands in front of me are a sea of green, among the fans former South Africa captain and 2003 World Cup chief Dr Ali Bacher.
More than one South Africa jersey bears the number 438 – the total the side reached in that amazing game in Johannesburg a year ago to seal the series with Australia.
There are a few English fans and Kiwis too, whose gamble on travel plans didn’t work out. They should be in for a cracking game anyway.
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"Most of the people I have spoken to – including South Africans – have the Aussies down as favourites but recognise that the Proteas have the firepower at the top of the order to really put Australia under pressure.
As long as they survive the early movement, South Africa are in an excellent position to do just that having won the toss."
Love that comment, especially as it's 103/8 at the moment.
Hindsight is a cruel mistress.
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'LAMBS TO THE SLAUGHTER' is how I see it. Great for The Aussies but for everybody else !!!! Close games are worth watching give my the England v Sri Lanka, South Africa v Sri Lanka, England v West Indies (what a game to listen to and watch).
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Close games are great...but you cant help it if one team is more talk then action. Always have been, and for today at least, still appear to be.
Come on Aussies!!! Shut that loud mouth Smith up once and for all.
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I was interested to hear the commentators saying that there is no one in world cricket that can spot Murali's Doosra, but I am convinced I can from the pre-delivery gurn.
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at 70-2, i feel a bit sorry for sa. their batting tactics were fine...very positive. alas for them it backfired on this occasion. but their bowling lacking any potency. i'm enjoying this aus display.
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absolutely convinced that SL will be far tougher competition than SA. SL bowling is dynamite, especialy Murali.
Look out Aus. The 2 best teams in the final, without a doubt, unless you count england....lol
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I don't think SA stands a chance against Australia. Australia is in perfect form and they are the best the game has to offer.
I still love ya, Martin ;)
-Mellisa-
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"there is a real sense of anticipation for what many are calling the real World Cup final"
That comment doesn't make much sense and actually makes even less sense after todays match. Australia destroyed SA in the pool game (and have repeated that in the game today) while a very strong and well balanced Srilankan team waits in the REAL final on Saturday. Have forgotton how easily SA lost to Bangladesh and was defeated soundly by NZ as well a team Srilanka has destroyed twice. SA does not have the nerves to win a big game as evidenced by their past performances in the 92,96 and 99 WC.
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Did you manage to patch things up with Guyana?
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If this was the "Real WorldCup" I guess we're in for a spot trouble. I guess Sri Lanka shouldn't bother to show up now that the "real" contenders South Africa are gone. I'll be sure to tell Mahela Jayawardene that he and his mates can take the early flight home, since Australia just beat the "Real" contenders.
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The "Real" world cup final, produced a "typical" world cup final contest. Lets hope the game on Saturday is played as if it is a semi final, as down the years they have always been the best games.
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