The Wills tournament had practically all the ingredients of a World Cup atmosphere. Drums, crackers, flares, music, dance, posters, placards, fantastic fours, sensational sixes, rash run-outs, daring decisions, brilliant batting, fine fielding, bewitching bowling and the exuberant running commentaries, had left a lasting impression on all of us. Hearty congratulations to the very sportive Bangladeshis, who came in thousands for each match and cheered every side that stepped on to the field. There was a magnificent spirit and the crowd behaviour was excellent.
The Venue
There is an Arab proverb that says, ``If the traveller stops each time a dog barks, his journey will never end.'' Disregarding all the barks of cynics complaints, strikes and negative criticisms, the organisers had stuck to their deal and embarked on an adventurous mission. They had courageously staged that tantalizing Mini World - Cup (as it was popularly known) at the fascinating and ultra-modern Bangabandhu stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The garbage, squalor, slums, gutters around the stadium vanished over-night, at least temporarily, and we were shown a modern Dhaka with majestic mosques, popular promenades, breath-taking beaches, sizzling shopping centres, picturesque views of the sprawling and spectacular city, under bright sun-shine and moon-lit nights.
The spills and thrills
The world champions were humbled; world-class batsman and record-breakers had their hearts broken; top-spinners were mercilessly mauled; leg spinners severely smashed all over the field; off-spinners happily hammered over the fence. Towering sixes and delightful fours were cheered with delight. The happy - go - lucky spectators witnessed the sublime and the ridiculous, the agony and ecstasy of the game. The cricket fans in the stadium celebrated the exhilarating performances with fire-works and bonfires. Most of the cricketers were really fired with enthusiasm. The spectators however thought that some of their favourite stars who let them down badly , ought to be fired out of the team, also with enthusiasm.
The Sri Lankan fiasco
Sri Lankans, lacked fitness and finesse; class and commitment. Irresponsible and undisciplined batting brought the world-champions down on their knees. Super-star Jayasuriya who was batting so well in the early overs, defiantly moved away, exposing his wicket to an accurate yorker and was clean bowled. Then the rot set in and their innings was in total disarray. Top order batsmen capitulated sheepishly. Kaluwitharana and Aravinda unnecessarily got themselves out.
Putting their heads down under trying circumstances and playing it cooly and judiciously would have helped the Sri Lankans to reach lofty heights and annex another prestigious trophy. Their lack-lustre performance was simply disappointing to the spectators who had cheered them heartily during their previous encounters. An arrogant attitude seldom works. One needs a fair amount of humility to achieve anything worthwhile.
Congratulations and full marks to the South Africans for their convincing victories over the World Champs and the West Indians at the final. They were well organised and completely committed. Their approach to the game was positive and productive. Given the same weather conditions, they shrewdly exploited the dampening morale of their less-convincing and less-committed opponents and came out gloriously triumphant.
Enlivening spirit
What a genial way to bring a nation together! The ambience was invigorating and the spirit enlivening! All the miseries disappeared for a week or so and the spectators poured into the stadium day after day. Full-throatedly they cheered. Their thundering applause and sheer shrills of joy reverberated around Dhaka.
The disappointment of the star - batsmen, the frustration of the bowlers, the humiliation at times of the fielders, missed - catches, wides, no balls, over throws, cliff-hangers and nail-biting finishes added colour to the glorious uncertainties of cricket.
Long live cricket!