Mumbai, April 1 (IANS) As the sun set in the Arabian Sea, Wankhede Stadium, the powerhouse of international cricket, eagerly awaited Saturday’s all-Asian World Cup final between India and Sri Lanka.
The International Cricket Council’s big-ticket tournament is set for a fairytale final, leaving the fans hoping that Sachin Tendulkar will get his 100th international century at his home ground and India will win the World Cup.
And, as both the sub-continental neighbours eagerly waited to see whether they can lift their second World Cup title, last minute touches were being given Friday to the Wankhede, which also houses the headquarters of the financially-strong Indian cricket board, to bring a fitting climax to 43 days of riveting on-field action spread over 13 venues across India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
The smell of fresh paint of advertisements coupled with the sea breeze set the mood at the Wankhede on the eve of the clash. From ICC officials to volunteers and those at the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) and the Indian cricket board were racing against time to ensure that there was no faux pas during the grand finale.
One of those who wore a worried look was curator Sudhir Naik, also a former opener, who featured in three Tests for India.
Naik has prepared a slow turner for the final, but also expects his ward India’s pace spearhead Zaheer Khan to pick four wickets and finish the tournament as the highest wicket-taker.
‘It will be an ideal one-day wicket. The bounce will be even with a good carry. The pacers will get something out of the wicket in the initial overs,’ said the 66-year-old.
‘But the team batting first will be at an advantage as the spinners will get assistance in the second session. But the ball will not turn viciously, it will be a slow turner.’
ICC president Sharad Pawar, who is also the MCA president, turned emotional as the curtains prepare to come down on the biggest cricketing extravaganza.
He dismissed criticism about the World Cup final being held at the 33,000 capacity Wankhede and said it was the right place for the final match, saying Lord’s in England had even less capacity.
‘In all respects, the ICC World Cup is a huge success; in terms of spectators, TV viewership, the quality of cricket played so far.
‘Thanks to the World Cup hosts’ excellent organisation, the tournament has gone off well and has been incident free. All three host nations’ Prime Ministers have attended one or two matches. Their support and the administration’s support has been exceptional,’ he said.
