World Cup 2011 Photos

Teams feel the heat

April 01, 2011 18:10

There is something in the air over Mumbai that smells a lot like a cricket final is round the corner. The Sri Lankan's have noticed it and they are feeling it. So while it seems the heat is on for Sangakkara's team, we take a cheek in tongue look at what transpired in the Lankan camp a day before the day of judgment. (Getty Images)

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There is something in the air over Mumbai that smells a lot like a World Cup final is round the corner. The Sri Lankan's have noticed it and they are feeling it. So while it seems the heat is on for Sangakkara's team, we take a cheek in tongue look at what transpired in the Lankan camp a day before the day of judgment. (Getty Images)
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He has scored runs at the rate of bullets fired from a machine gun, in this tournament. A slightly nervous look as he talks on the phone however seems to escape Tillakaratne Dilshan even as he brandishes his chain-clad chest at the player's gallery of the stadium. (AFP PHOTO)
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A penny for his thoughts won't be too much to pay for India to know what Lasith Malinga has in store for Saturday. Going by his grim expression though, it just seems the slinger may finally have run out of new ways to slam his way past batsmen. Do notice the bare-chest. Sign of another Lankan feeling the heat? (AFP PHOTO)
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He hasn't played a match in this World Cup, but Dilhara Fernando has been clicked more with his shirt off than wearing it. Although he is not likely to feature in the team on Saturday as well, solidarity with fellow players in bearing the Mumbai sun is clear from this snap. (AFP PHOTO)
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Angelo Matthews injury brought in his replacement in the more experienced Chamninda Vaas. The seasoned war horse was out on the field getting used to the conditions. Vaas would be looking forward to being part of the World Cup winning team for the second time, and yet may well be over-awed by the occasion this time around. (AFP PHOTO)
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Skipper Kumar Sangakkara seems to have had no time to fuss over the weather or the pressure. He was seen getting batting practice, checking the pitch and having lively discussions with curator Sudhir Naik as the day progressed. A man obsessed with getting that final win, perhaps. (AFP PHOTO)
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The other skipper in MS Dhoni looked relaxed, or at least in this snap. Captain cool let go of a lazy yawn that the Lankans may see as a sign of sleep deprivation but most here would hope means a calm and composed leader of the home team. (AFP PHOTO)
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So even though the players may just be going through their phases of anxiety and calm, fans on both sides spent all of Friday hoping that their prayers and wishes are granted once both teams take the field on Saturday in front of a billion expectant eyes. (AFP PHOTOS)

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