It was a match worthy of a final

It was a match worthy of a final, and was such a great pity that one side had to be eliminated. What made it worse for South Africa was t...

It was a match worthy of a final, and was such a great pity that one side had to be eliminated. What made it worse for South Africa was that they did not even lose, but fell victim to a technicality.

When Klusener did come in, he once again almost won the match for his country with two fours and a six, but I believe South Africa lost it in the end because they panicked, not because of any tactical blunder. That and the lack of communication between Klusener and Allan Donald shaped the eventual outcome of the match.

South Africa8217;s exit was also a result of their inability to play attacking spinners. Their domestic tournaments do not produce this breed and whenever they are faced with the likes of Saqlain, Mushtaq Ahmed and Warne, they tend to withdraw into a shell.

As for the tag of chokers8217; that they seem to have earned for themselves, I think it was a ploy devised by Steve Waugh to apply pressure on them. After all, they have played in more finals than any other team, and they are bound to lose some. Calling them chokers on that basis is a little unfair, because they have the best record against most teams.

Now we look forward to the grand finale, which should be another explosive encounter. The flair and enthusiasm of the Pakistanis against the measured approach of the Aussies is a mouth-watering prospect. At Old Trafford, Pakistan destroyed New Zealand in a ruthless display of attacking cricket. They have looked likely finalists from day one because they have talent and variety by the bucketful and it is only their temperament that is in question.

As for Australia, they should be concerned at the fact that not enough players are playing well, with Lehmann, Gilchrist and Reiffel being specially disappointing, and the team is relying too heavily on the Waugh twins and Warne. Against Pakistan at Lord8217;s, Warne will not pose much of a threat, because first, the Lord8217;s pitch is not really conducive to spin and second, the Pakistanis are some of the best players of spin in the world. Glenn McGrath will be the danger man for Australia, and if Pakistan play him well, they should win. For all that, my money is firmly in my pocket!