first off, i feel bad for SA for they missed out on a chance to beat the aussies in the semis. had they applied themselves more calmly and in a practical manner (without being OVER aggressive while batting), they could well have knocked the champion team out yesterday. but now that AUS are in the final, whoever wins, i am glad that too most formidable teams are going to clash in the final and what could be better than that for the fairness of the tournament? a perfect icing on the cake, to me, would be if SL wins over AUS and prove that the juggernauts, that this ominous AUS side are, can also have a bad day or two and are hence beatable. there is no doubt that AUS are on a roll at the moment but i don't see why they cannot be beaten in the final. if we delve into the history of the finals that they've played, 1) AUS vs PAK in 1999: Pak batted first but were all out for a meager total of 130 odd runs. AUS batted second and no wonder they chased the score with style. 2) AUS vs IND in 2003: AUS batted first and made a huge total of 360 plus. A total like that is almost invincible in a final to chase for any team. No wonder IND failed. In both cases, AUS got hold of the final in the first inning itself so they haven't really been tested in crunch situation. so IMHO, SL has all the potential to beat the crap out of Aussies if they apply themselves with cool heads in the first inning. ideally, i would like to see: 1) SL batting first and posting a modest total -- say 260 plus. they don't need 300+ to beat the aussies. 2) quickies with the likes of mallinga and vaas should fire in their first spell and get rid of the first two batsmen quickly. 3) once murali comes into the attack with AUS at 50/2 or sth, SL will catch AUS by their neck mostly. So go lankans go. defy the odds and prove the critiques wrong! i am with you re ke lastma :P