(REUTERS) – Cricket fever has gripped the sub-continent on the eve of the World Cup final between India and Sri Lanka today.
Here are the thoughts of some former players on how the first all-Asian final will play out. Imran Khan: captained Pakistan to 1992 World Cup triumph: “The pressure of playing in a semi-final is greater than a final. As India and Pakistan faced off in the semis-finals … India have gone through the test by fire. India will go on to win with the great self-belief they have built up.”
Steve Waugh: captained Australia to 1999 World Cup title: “A script writer could not have written a better story for Sachin (Tendulkar) as he gets to play a World Cup final in his hometown. History beckons for this Indian team.”
Arjuna Ranatunga: captained Sri Lanka to 1996 World Cup win. “I am a bit concerned about Sri Lanka’s middle order … it is struggling a fair deal. But my heart still says Sri Lanka will win.”
Clive Lloyd: captained West Indies to 1975 and 1979 Cup wins: “The team that gets all the disciplines right will have the edge in the final. I am tilted towards India.”
Allan Border: captained Australia to 1987 World Cup title: “I believe Sri Lanka have the ability to upset India. They have a strong spin attack. Indians showed their susceptibility in facing quality spin bowling in (the semi-final) in Mohali.”
Kapil Dev: captained India to 1983 World Cup title: “Being an Indian with the final taking place in our country, I will definitely favour India to win. But all the Sri Lankan players are dangerous and they are playing as a team.”
Mark Waugh, former Australia batsman: “Indian bowling is coming together well, almost peaking superbly as the tournament has gone on and that should augur well for the side.”
Dilip Vengsarkar, former India captain: “The way they are playing, India will definitely beat Sri Lanka. I will make it 60:40 in India’s favour.”