Finally, a clear picture has emerged, and the semi-final berths have been booked by the best four teams in the competition. A pity India aren’t around, though.

Of course there have been some anxious moments, some hiccups, especially for a team like South Africa, trying hard to undo their chokers’ reputation. Hope simmered for both the West Indies and England, a faint chance to sneak into the semis. Otherwise, it was almost certain that Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and South Africa would be the chosen ones.

That was expected, after India’s unceremonious exit, West Indies’ immature display and with Pakistan in disarray, and with Australia going gung-ho, crushing all in the way. Unlike Sri Lanka, Australia seem to be taking each and every game very seriously. That’s the way they have been brought up.

England put up no fight against the South Africans. It seemed the Englishmen were bored with their long stay. Their body language suggested that.

It is difficult to guess why Sri Lanka decided not to field Chaminda Vaas and Muttiah Muralitharan, perhaps the best wicket-taking duo in the World Cup, against the Aussies who are virtually on a hunting expedition. It is ideal to judge your full strength against the best team, so you can seal the loopholes before the next important encounter. Chances are, this lapse could boomerang on them.

Now that only three games remain before the world champions are announced, crucial will be holding on to true form, and not yielding to the pressures and tensions around.

... contd.