India should have qualified

The semi-finals have some mouth-watering prospects in store. On paper, Pakistan should steam-roll past New Zealand, but the Kiwis have nothing to lose and can go for broke from the first ball. Their best chance is to win the toss, bat first, and post a total in excess of 250. Chris Cairns is a dangerous player who is yet to make a real impact on the tournament. He seems to relish playing better oppositions and was at his best when New Zealand beat Australia in the prelims. His impact on the game could well determine NewZealand8217;s prospects of beating a Pakistan side more focussed now after some ordinary performances.

Pakistan still have to prove that they are capable of chasing a decent target, something Wasim Akram is actually aware of. He will be desperate to win the toss and bat irrespective of the wicket. Old Trafford does afford some assistance, but June has been kinder to batsmen and the wickets are getting better and batting seems to be lot easier.

The Pakistani bowling lifted a gear against Zimbabwe and Shoaib Akhtar was fiery. Wasim was critical of his pace colleague following the defeat against South Africa and this seems to have spurred the youngster onto a better performance. His pace could be decisive against a New Zealand batting order that does not have experience of playing bowlers of that speed. New Zealand can spring a surpriseas their fielding is top drawer. But you can8217;t help feeling that with so much at stake, Pakistan are sufficiently talented to go through.

The other semi is a re-run of Sunday8217;sexciting clash. Australia won that, but if Jacques Kallis is fit, it will be a huge bonus for the South African bowling line-up.That was a decisive factor in the last game. Without Kallis, Hansie Cronje and Nickey Boje were required to bowl 10 overs between them. This was to prove expensive and turned the match. They conceded 78 runs, far too many, and allowed Australia back into the game.

It was not so much the runs conceded but the release of pressure. At one stage, Boje and Cronje were in tandem, and conceded 34 runs in 2.1 overs, thus changing the complexion of the game. Steve Waugh is a great believer in momentum and that was what Australia were able to gain. It meant an unlikely victory for them.

The two teams start with a clean slate. Australia will be buoyed by the victory, but South Africa have reason to take heart. Gary Kirsten and Herschelle Gibbs are in better touch, meaning a better start, Daryll Cullinan is playing well, and perhaps only Cronje is short of real form. To be honest, team wise,South Africa performed better in their last encounter. Only Steve Waugh and Shane Warne performed with distinction for Australia.Warne showed real signs of a return to form. His ability to take wickets at vital ties is always encouraging, and once again he took a couple at a time when South Africa threatened to run away with the game. Similarly, Waugh was sensational in one of the best displays ever by an Australian in one-day internationals.

His 100 was made in less than a run a ball under extreme pressure. You have to admire his skill, even if he lacks the aesthetic appeal of Sachin Tendulkar or Brian Lara, his mental faculty is unsurpassed by anyone. That itself is an attribute possessed by very few. It could still prove to be the catalyst for Australia appearing in the final. If they do, they promise an exciting game.

My pick hasn8217;t changed. Provided Kallis is fit and able to bowl, Pakistan should play South Africa in the final. It would be a final fit for kings, but in the meantime, both teams havesome unfinished business this week.