Weekend is finally here. And it promises to be an exciting one for all cricket fans as world cup fever is raging like an inferno with today's match of potential world cup winners - Hosts India takes on formidable South Africa side. Both sides have recently played in a closely fought ODI series on latter's home turf. South Africa managed to win it albeit narrowly although India were without the services of the Little Master, Sachin Tendulkar.
Last time Sachin played against South Africa, he smashed a record double ton against the likes of Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Johann Botha, Jacques Kallis and co. making up the formidable bowling lineup.
Today, once again they are pitted against each other on the grandest stage of the world cup. Past is to be forgotten to focus on the present. That would be the exact endeavor of both the teams. Obviously when two of the top sides collide, there are going to be battles within a battle for supremacy.
To start off with, India's Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag will be keen on taking on Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel. If that is not enough, star studded middle and lower order batting lineup of India boasting of Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh, M.S. Dhoni, Virat Kohli and Yusuf Pathan will look to dominate Johann Botha and young, talented leg spinner in Imran Tahir.
While Zaheer Khan will once again look to dismiss his bunny in South African captain, Graeme Smith. While Harbhajan Singh will look to stamp his authority against the consistency of Jacques Kallis, A.B. Devilliers and Hashim Amla.
Given the recent record between these two top nations in world cricket, it promises to be a humdinger. Which way tide will turn? Only time will spin a different tale for its twists and turns. Home support will be an added advantage for Team India as yet another run feasts awaits the jam packed Nagpur crowd.
Heat will be turned on the field and off it with mercury rising upto warm and humid 38 degrees.
Apart from that it's going to be a battle for one upmanship between India's M.S. Dhoni and Graeme Smith. Both would ideally love to seize the opportunities that come along the way during the course of this titanic clash.
