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The views of Daily Telegraph columnists

For Australia

Dickie Bird

I've thought all along that Australia would win the cup. They have come good at the right time and will fight to the death for each other. Pakistan have got a tremendous attack but they are inclined to panic if they are put under pressure and Australia have an excellent batting line-up.

Ian Chappell

The two most attacking sides are in the final. Australia are more reliable in batting and will make less mistakes, while Pakistan are stronger in bowling and unpredictable. Despite the danger that Australia could be drained by the effort of making the final, as happened in 1996, they will be the second team to win two World Cups.

Michael Henderson

Not since the first World Cup final in 1975, between West Indies and Australia, has a one-day game looked more delightful in prospect. Australia are the best side in the world; Pakistan the most beguiling. In a tight corner you never discount the hard men so it's Australia, just.

Sybil Ruscoe

Pakistan have a lot going for them _ their bowling attack is clearly the stronger, with Shoaib Akhtar awesome _but the force is with Australia after their titanic battles against South Africa. Steve Waugh could be at the head of the carnival parade and Glenn McGrath may be the match-winner on the ground he loves best.

Martin Johnson

A freak thunderstorm will turn Lord's into a boating pond, and Pakistan, chasing 265 to win, will be set a revised target of 982. The match will end in a tie, and the trophy shared between Duckworth and Lewis. Otherwise, you can toss a coin for it - but if pressed, Australia.

David Lloyd

The toss and the conditions will have an influence. The crowd support will fanatically favour Pakistan, which might work against them. After England's exit I said Australia would win and I stick by that. Defeat is not in their vocabulary. They have the team and psychological edge.

For Pakistan

Simon Hughes

World cup winners _Pakistan. They are a dynamic batting side with greater depth than Australia (Azhar Mahmood, coming in No 8, has three Test centuries), the fastest bowler in the world, the cleverest new ball bowler (Wasim) and the most unusual spinner (Saqlain). Their fielding might be sub-standard but they have so many match winners with bat and ball.

Mark Nicholas

Having backed Australia at the start of the tournament I now switch horses to Pakistan. Australia are still not playing as well as they can so it is a testament to their character that they have reached the final. Pakistan will bat much better against Shane Warne than South Africa and with their terrific bowling potential may prove irresistible.