BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, 29 April 2007 — Hundreds of Australians dressed from head to toe in green and gold gave Ricky Ponting’s team the feel of a home game at the World Cup final yesterday as it sought to beat Sri Lanka and become the first to win the title three times in a row.
Australia’s supporters were conspicuous in most stands at the renovated Kensington Oval while Sri Lanka just had a smattering of fans. But a huge number of host West Indies cricket followers appeared to be lending support to the sub-continental team which was last country to beat Australia in a World Cup final 11 years ago.
Sri Lanka is seeking to revive the title-winning spirit of 1996, after which Australia got into winning spree that now features successive titles in 1999 and 2003.
“I’m backing my friend (Muttiah) Muralitharan to turn the screw,” said Dwayne Leverock, the burly Bermuda policeman whose agility despite his girth become a feature of the early rounds when the amateur players from the smallest country to play in the World Cup made their debut last month.
The Aussies were in high spirits despite persistent showers being a dampener for the showpiece final of the premier limited-overs tournament.
New York-based Australian banker Daniel Pittorino was confident the “Aussies will romp home, today or tomorrow depending on the weather.” “We knew we’re going to be in the final, so planned the visit for the World Cup’s last week,” said Pittorino, who is here in a group of London-based Australian bankers.
“This is a rare opportunity to see a top-grade cricket event in the vicinity of the United States, and it’s great to here when the Australians are such great form.” Throughout the 47-day tournament, which began March 13, Australian fans have come out in large numbers to support their team, making this the biggest group of supporters for the cricket team from Down Under in the past couple of decades.
Sri Lankans Party Despite Rain and Delays
In Colombo, Sri Lankans partied on the streets yesterday as their home team took to the field after losing the toss to Australia in a shortened cricket World Cup final match in the Caribbean.
Fans dressed in Sri Lankan team T-shirts and carrying the national flag braved the rain to gather in their hundreds at playgrounds, clubs, hotels and bars showing live coverage of the match on giant screens.
The loud music, singing and dancing continued, despite fans having to wait for the action to begin as rain delayed the start and reduced the match to 38 overs.
A loud cheer went up when the Sri Lankan team finally took the field some three hours later than scheduled.
“A rainy start may go in our favor, let’s hope it will not rain further,” said Indika Prasadini. Opinion was divided as to whether Mahela Jayawardene losing the toss could be turned to the home side’s favor.
“I think it is a good toss to lose because of the rain factor. I think it will suit our bowlers,” said Chaminda Kodikara while partying at the Colombo Cricket Club.
“We have to make the best use of the toss and stick to our plan,” said Nuwan Rajapakse.
Others like Rohitha Premaratne were advising Sri Lankan team “to go for the kill” and “get early wickets.” Hours before the match started, Sri Lankans were stocking up on snacks, soft drinks, and ice cream, with supermarkets, and grocery stores reporting brisk sales.
“It took us nearly 20 minutes to pay for a few bottles of soft drinks, ice creams and snacks,” said Marisa de Silva. “People are just going crazy buying up food to watch the match. A win is worth the long queue.” Cricket is hugely popular in Sri Lanka and is seen as one of the few unifying elements that cut through political and ethnic lines amid escalating fighting between troops and Tamil Tiger rebels.
Sri Lanka’s state-run television station said more than 14 million of the island’s 19.5 million population were expected to watch the live broadcast of the finals.
