Champions Trophy semifinal India vs Sri Lanka: Slinga antidote for India's MSD high

For the sake of continental balance, it would have been better for India and Sri Lanka to be pitted against one of the other two semifinalists – South Africa and England.

In that sense, cricket is losing its greatest cliché - glorious uncertainties.

All of the above were the bookies picks at the start of the tournament – though may not be the Indian bookies who are reported to have given this one a skip after their IPL 6 power plays.

Pakistan and the West Indies, two of cricket’s most glorious uncertainties, unfortunately played this one true to form – and crashed.

The only team that looks weaker than those two right now is Australia.

The Ashes loom and Ian Botham wants England to annihilate the Aussies. Against this Aussie side, it should be possible.

So let’s get down to the business end of the ICC Champions Trophy – the semifinalists.

Five factors that will decide India vs Sri Lanka:

Weather

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The weather has, as is normally the case in England, always played a bigger part in the outcome of matches than is good for the game.

India and Sri Lank will do well to remember this as they head to Cardiff.

A rain-shortened encounter drastically changes the dynamic for the chasing team.

Win the toss, bat first and out up a score that will get Duckworth and Lewis to make you the odds-on favourite should it rain.

The Pitch

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Like the weather, this will play a huge factor precisely because the Cardiff ground staff has worked tirelessly to ensure a ‘no spin, no seam’ pitch.

India played South Africa in the opener here and the fact that the Proteas’ quickies were easy to handle confirmed that the pitch held no demons. Which if you’re an Indian means any bounce above the waist, any movement in the air… and pretty much the sight of Dale Steyn.

Lanka will not mind it one way or the other because their ‘seniors’ have found the same sort of batting vein that India’s ‘newbies’ have.

Shikhar Dhawan vs Lanka’s Old Boys

Shikhar Dhawan (GETTY IMAGES)

The plan for Lanka is really simple.

Get Shikhar Dhawan out early and put India under pressure. Let Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina be forced to anchor the innings thereby restricting the total, even if you can’t bowl them out.

India have a much tougher task with Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakarra finding form – the kind of stoic, measured innings that saps and sucks the life out of the bowling.

India’s bowlers have done one thing right this tournament – bowled with discipline. That will be the key to keeping a tight leash on the Lankans.

Trump cards: Lasith Malinga vs MS Dhoni

Lasith Malinga and MS Dhoni (GETTY IMAGES)

Australia took their power play in the 16 over in the must-win tie against Sri Lanka – attempting to take the bull by the horns in their run-chase.

Without a second though Lanka brought Malinga back into the attack.

That is how much faith the Lankans have in the Slinga’s bowling. And he normally delivers.

India need to watch for any ‘we played him in the IPL so we know him’ type of complacency when they play him.

India have Dhoni. The savior who swoops in on a helicopter (shot) to rescue the situation. Preferably if the situation is completely hopeless.

Dhoni has also been able to temper, focus and control the young blood in the team to deliver some knockout performances. Especially with all the controversy and chaos surrounding Indian cricket back home.

Dhoni is due for a big one on foreign soil. Lanka beware.

Catch it!

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Given the flat nature of the pitch, the team that bowls with the most discipline will probably have the biggest impact on their side winning.

However, what can and will swing the match is the fielding. India now have these young, fit turks diving for their lives prompting Dhoni to call his team “one of the best fielding sides”.

Sri Lanka showed they are no slouches with some pretty spectacular catches -  cue Tillakaratne Dilshan’s leap to finish of the Aussies.

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If ever a catch could decide a match, this one probably is it.

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