Split Wide Open

t the Manuka Oval in Canberra, in a clash of colourful neighbours far away from home,it was carnival in the stands. Cricket become almost inconsequential--except for the menin the middle.

India's score of 194 off 29 overs, made after a severe downpour had delayed the start,seemed adequate. As the Indian innings neared closure, a westerly wind steered dark cloudsover the ground. Rain started falling, almost on cue, the moment the innings ended.

For the Lankans, that was a godsend--eight overs were lopped off their innings, leavingthem to chase 155 in 21 overs; Twenty20 cricket has altered the game and minds of theplayers. This would be considered an easy chase, with ten wickets in hand on a flat track.The Lankan openers made it look easier.

Sanath Jayasuriya, senior citizen in the Sri Lankan team, a man with a depleted pate andaching limbs, retains his quick eye. Sri Lanka were off to a start from which defeat wasimpossible. Jayasuriya continues to slash hard, the way he did in the 90s, and evenmis-hits off his bat clear the ropes. Tillekeratne Dilashan also hustled his way throughthe Indian resistance. Thus, under attack right from the start, the game was practicallyup for India.

The bowling was not particularly bad, but they were overcome a bit by the Lankan blizzard.They gave away a few free runs and under pressure, the fielding became ragged. Sri Lankanow only had to keep their nerve, keep running their singles hard and despatch the loosedeliveries.

As skipper MS Dhoni said later, by the time India realised what hit them, Sri Lanka werepast 50 in 37 balls and 100 in 86 balls, and catching up was impossible. The short gamedoesn't give you a second chance.

The ground is half ringed by stands, the most majestic of which houses the offices of theAustralian Football League, occupied this day by the members and the media.

In the stands, the balance of lungpower shifted without subtlety-- the Sri Lankan fans,seemingly in minority when India batted, woke up the echoes in this quiet Australiancapital, making themselves audible for miles. There was a proliferation of the Malingawigs in all colours-- black, blond, fluorescent and psychedelic green. At the rate they'reemerging, it's estimated that 90 percent of Sri Lankans would be Malinga impersonators bythe year 2050.

The Sri Lankans, transported from one island to another, have the beach-lover'sblitheness--they are free spirits, colourful and raucous, spreading song and cheer allaround. They blew on horns and whistles, beat drums and whistled. Even as the matchshifted decisively towards the Lankans, the banter in the stands was good-natured, eventhough beer had flowed freely and the Indians were a bit upset with the way things weregoing.

The Australians in the crowd, freed of allegiance in this contest, were not afactor--Harbhajan Singh, for a change, was hailed with cheers rather then boos when hecame on to bowl.

In their earlier games, Sri Lanka hadn't got the opportunity to chase India's total atBrisbane and had been crushed by Australia in Sydney.

With this painless win, secured in sunshine on a day that began wet and gloomy, Sri Lankahave opened up the race to the finals. Australia are favourites to make it without muchworry--Sri Lanka have given India something to worry about after the euphoria ofMelbourne.