Was it the pressure of playing at home that did in the Proteas in this World Cup? I suppose so, for it is astonishing that one of the favourites to win the tournament could not even qualify for the Super Sixes. In fact, who would have believed that the two participants in the first match, South Africa and West Indies, would not even qualify for the next stage.It’s very unfortunate that two of the teams with history and form had to make an early, humiliating exit. As reported, according to the D/L system, had the Proteas scored 230 runs instead of 229 when the skies opened up and it started to rain, they would have qualified.This was a crunch game for both Sri Lanka and South Africa. And somebody had to play extraordinary cricket to take their team ahead in the competition. A lot was expected of Jayasuriya and Jayawardena. However, it was Marvan Attapatu who played a fabulous innings that did the job for the Lankans.An elegant driver of the ball, Attapatu is a high-class batsman. That old warhorse, Arvinda, too, chose the occasion to come good. Their partnership proved most crucial to the fortunes of Sri Lanka. Chaminda Vaas’s great form with the ball also saw to it that the Proteas did not run away with the match.It must be quite disappointing for the people in South Africa to see their team not qualifying. More so, when they have the likes of Jacque Kallis, Shaun Pollock, Herschelle Gibbs and Ntini in their line-up. A lot was expected from Kallis in this tournament but he was a big disappointment not only for his team but for cricket-lovers in general.With Kenya displaying rare spirit and character, it was on the cards that they would qualify. Their performance so far has been exemplary to say the least, for among the four (Bangladesh, Canada and Holland being the other three), they looked the best prepared for the big occasion.The youngsters in the team have really showed that they cannot be taken lightly. I hope they continue the good work in the same vein. What is important is that they are now playing according to their true potential.Full marks to the Kiwis for showing rare grit and the will to overcome the setback created by themselves for not playing in Kenya and forfeiting points. They did overcome a stiff target against the Canadians which helped them secure a position in the Super Six.
