Suprise in normality

Had a soothsayer accurately predicted the results of the firs two Super 8 matches, nobody would have batted an eyelid. South Africa, the world No.1, would have been expected to overcome talented but unfancied Sri Lanka, whilst you would have still thought Australia, albeit under the cosh, to have enough to see an underpowered host nation.

Yet, coming into the games themselves, there was a degree of uncertainty; Sri Lanka looked the form side, an explosvie and lenghty batting line up had knocked up totals which the balanced and incisive bowling attack defended. Conversely, South Africa looked somewhat listless; the failure of Shaun Pollock to live up to his status as No.1 seemed to reflect the overall inability of the team to justify the hype.

In the end, the game turned out in a way that will both encourage and annoy each side: South Africa come away with the points, but the manner of victory will not satisfy coach and captain. Chasing a modest 209, they were in total control at 160-2. However, a cluster of wickets from Murali, followed by the extraordinary feat of four wickets in as many balls from Malinga left the South African last wicket pair facing embarassment and the prospect of the sort of choke which only the Proteas could contrive. As it was, they prevailed nervously, but in a fashion which will not imbue them with confidence for the other games. Sri Lanka, havin brought themselves so close to an unlikely triumph, can only reflect on a botched innings and a modest total which cost them the game.

Australia marched to victory in a way which suggested that all doubts had been dispelled. Matthew Hayden's second successive century indicated a real return to form, and gave a refresher of the lesson he emphatically dished out to India in 2000-1; on slow, flat pitches, he is nigh on unstoppable. The only slight disappointment will be the lack of time spent at the crease by the other batsmen - the next best score was Clarke's 41. The bowling performance also allayed some concerns; Bracken was steady, Tait took wickets and 3 top-6 scalps proved that Glenn McGrath still has some life in him yet. Even better, spinner Brad Hogg, having endured a wicketless run prior to the tournament, bagged three here and brought his tally for the tournament to an impressive 10.

As for the hosts, the limitations of their attack were shown up, whilst the batting performance was limp, especially at the top of the order, with the normally free-hitting Gayle supressed. Although they did carry through points from the groups, as it turned out they were from the match against Ireland, who all the other teams will expect to beat anyway. They now have to pick themselves up from a drubbing which the rain elongated to two days, and face up to New Zealand tomorrow. For differing reasons, both teams will be even more keen than ususal to win: with points carried through from the group stage, a win for the Kiwis would put them in a very strong position to qualify, with only the two minnows barring their progression. On the flipside, should the West Indies lose, they will be staring elimination in the face all too quickly.