June 14, 1999
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ON THE BALL The Real Final India have the ability, strength and experience to take on Pakistan or any other top side. By Kapil Dev
After our victory against Kenya, things just began to look up. One can actually see the confidence building in the Indian players. I am glad that we have begun to peak at the right time. Against England, for the first time in the World Cup, our bowlers did their job. They kept the pressure on and got wickets at the right time. If one were to study the matches played so far, teams which have been able to put up a decent score on the board have won. The bowlers largely have been able to defend the targets well. With our win against England, hopefully our bowlers have found their rhythm and won't have to look back anymore. Zimbabwe's fielding never ceases to amaze me. Also their ability to pull off a win at the last minute. Not many people had the time for Zimbabwe at the beginning of the tournament but they have proved that with a bit of luck and a balanced head anyone can defeat even the favourites on their day. For all of us the real World Cup begins now. We have entered the Super Six and it is the real challenge. All six teams have familiarised themselves with the grounds, pitches and conditions. They have also had a chance to assess their opponents. They have to be on their toes now. One defeat and it could well mean a return ticket home. India, especially, have to win all our matches to make it to the semi-finals. We have bounced back once but that will not be possible again and again. England are out, Australia have struggled and West Indies played poorly. We cannot afford to take our position lightly. What is very heartening is the performance of our batsmen. Despite the fact that it is not easy to bat in England, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Saurav Ganguly are going great guns. Saurav has shown that he can make runs and get wickets when the occasion demands. He is turning out to be the man with the golden arm. By the time you read this we would have finished playing Australia and be heading for Manchester to take on Pakistan. This is a match that the expatriates from both countries have been looking forward to for years. Never before have the two teams clashed here at this level. A few charity matches yes but never an international one. I only hope that both supporters realise that this is only a game and don't drag our border hostilities to Old Trafford. In fact the security at the ground and for the teams is a bit worrying. The match may be held in Manchester but believe me it will look like it is being played in either India or Pakistan. The Pakistanis, I think, will outnumber the Indian supporters as there are more Pakistanis than Indians around Manchester. Also the fact that Wasim Akram plays for Lancashire should draw more of his supporters. As for the game itself, there is no doubt that it is going to be the equivalent of a final for both teams. It could be anybody's game. We have stronger batting, they have better bowling, but ultimately the weather will decide the winner. I feel overcast conditions will help us as our batsmen will be able to withstand the ball's movement. Talking of Pakistan, how on earth did they lose to Bangladesh? It is matches like these which fan the flames for rumour-mongers. With the Super Six matches beginning, all I can say is that the Indians should keep their morale up. Regardless of whom India play they must believe that at the end of the day they have the ability, strength and experience to overcome any side. Former India captain and allrounder
Kapil Dev will be writing a regular column exclusively for |
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It is amazing
what a win can do. I have always maintained that winning makes all the difference
regardless of who the win is against. 
