As we stated in these columns, Sri Lanka had to win the toss and bat first to put pressure on the Pakistanis. And this is exactly how it went as Ranatunga called correctly and what followed is history now.
EXPLOSIVE
Opener Sanath Jayasuriya with his explosive approach is continuing to hug the limelight. In this game too he blasted a crackerjack 96 in just 67 balls and what delight he provided when he was on the roll!
On a wicket that was ideal for this type of game with the ball coming on to the bat with even bounce, Sri Lanka's newest opener Marvan Atapattu also got into the run making act and together with his senior partner Jayasuriya gave Sri Lanka the dream start that they were looking for to set the Pakistanis an ungettable target. RECORD STAND
In the process they put up a record stand for the first wicket which is going to last for a long time to come. Jayasuriya and Atapattu treated the Pakistani bowlers with scant respect.
While Jayasuriya tore into the attack, with some beefy strokeplay, Atapattu was content to push the singles and look for the occasional boundary giving the master most of the strike.
ELDER STATESMAN
Once these two departed after charting the course for a big score, the two elder statesmen of Sri Lankan cricket, Aravinda de Silva and Arjuna Ranatunga took charge of the proceedings to give an object lesson in one day batsmanship.
It was nice to see the champion De Silva in the runs once again. As Ranatunga stated Aravinda is too good a batsman to keep failing constantly. Aravinda got back into the run making act and he did it with some elegant and effortless strokeplay.
NONCHALANT EASE
Aravinda did not try to go over the top. Instead he was aware of the large gaps in the field and sent the ball scurrying through these gaps with nonchalant ease. It was a good lesson in batsmanship and it is hoped that he will carry this form into the remaining games.
Skipper Ranatunga too is back at his brilliant best. He too had struck a bad patch, but now seems to have recovered and is easily the most shrewd one day batsman around in the game today.
WORRIED MAN
Ranatunga likes to nudge the ball around and upset the field placings. He did this to the best of his ability in this game and it was apparent that Pakistani captain Rameez Raja was a worried man when Ranatunga was on strike.
'Lokka' as he is popularly called, Ranatunga is striking well as batsman and captain and he will be looking to deliver the knockout blow today and grab the glittering Independence trophy and not leave room for the third final.
AGONY
Once the Lankans made a huge 339 it was apparent that the Pakistanis would crumble under pressure. Crumble they did and with their master blaster Saeed Anwar failing, the end was not long in coming although Raja, Malik and Moin Khan managed to prolong the agony.
For today's game the Pakistanis are going to come back firing all cylinders. To fail here would be to say finis to their chances of laying their hands on the trophy.
CREST OF A WAVE
Obviously the Lankans must be riding the crest of a wave after their convincing win in the first clash. However they will do well to guard against complacency and take this game as a new one by starting all over again.
As they did in the first game they must grab the opportunities that come their way, get on top and remain that way till the final ball is bowled. THE TOSS
The toss will once again play a big part and everyone will be hoping that Ranatunga will once again call correctly.
At the time of writing seasonal rains have set in Calcutta and there is some doubt whether the two remaining finals will be played at all. If the remaining two finals are not played Sri Lanka will be declared the winners!.