Teasing Appetiser to the World Cup!!

The opening match of the Cricket - 2007 World Cup definitely was a teasing appetiser to the start of the tournament - it ignited huge expectations for the tournament. At the end of the match, it appeared to be a good toss to lose in return for a win in the match in a pitch where a good score remained unpredictable. In a perfect setting for the World Cup, the Windies won by a comfortable margin of 54 runs. They will just hope to sustain this victory all through the series. Pakis will now have more to worry about - the way they lost than their deficit margin. Nothing seemed to go their way with their fielding easily topping the list of concerns.

West Indies had a poor start with Gayle falling cheaply. Then the resurrection started with the cameo from Sarwan flirting with his wicket, continuously living on the edge. Samuels and Lara maintained a responsible partnership with quite a healthy run-rate. Towards the end, the Blitzkrieg from Smith boosted the Windies total,which always looked attainable.

Pakistan in return bettered the West Indies with an even miserable start. Then they were sustained by Yousuf and Inzi reviving hope for a victory but once Inzi was out, nothing was in order and Pakistan never gave a fight and meekly surrendered. But credit has to be given for the 54 ball 62 run contribution from Shoaib Malik, the lone warrior amongst the ruins. They have to heal the lower middle order and tail's batting woes.

It will be interesting to watch how these 2 teams progress from here. Whether they will remain to be inherently mercurial throughout the tournament or will they try to shed that tag, we all have to wait and watch……