A tale of two finalists

17th March 2007 - India was playing Bangladesh in the world cup while at the same time Pakistan was battling Ireland. This was the World Cup and one expected the two rivals to face off at Barbados on 15th April 2007. Instead many hopes were to be dashed. An expected India Pakistan high voltage World Cup clash had turned into a low key Ireland Bangladesh match - while fans in both countries were cursing the irony. There ofcourse was madness in both countries.

India came to the T20 WC having played all of one match in that format before. Pakistan had played 4 but had usual dressing room trouble before the match - Shoaib hits Asif with a bat with Afridi giggling along the way. No chance for either of them - Out of the Super 8s for them for sure.

But both teams specialise in pulling off the unexpected most of the time be it winning or losing. These two teams are the undisputed top 2 when it comes to dashing expectations

So after a cracking match between themselves - they stepped into the super 8s. India lost to New Zealand and looked like the pre tournament ratings were correct. After all they had to play England and South Africa in succession - the teams which had the most T20 exposure. But a team full of new youngsters and old-wanting-to-make-comebackers decided that they had nothing to lose and set out to win two stunning matches - one on the back of yuvraj and the other on the back of RP. India were in the semis of a World Cup - not the one in Windies but they made it for the poor cousin's party

While Pakistan clobbered Lanka and Australia and made their way to the semis pretty much unchallenged. They were looking good.

And then the semis. An option - the more likely one - was a trans Tasmanian final. The other most desired one was the Sub Continental one.

For two teams which left the ODI world cup in disgrace - the tale of the T20 WC has been rewarding. Some outstanding play by both teams has taken them to an unexpected WC final. A dream lineup that one can ever get. For those who travelled all the way to SA on 15th April only to see Ireland play Bangla those coupons get redeemed on 24th September. It may have come 5 months too late but a India Pakistan World Cup final is the stuff dreams are made of.

For a disastrous ODI WC final - this is the best balm to soothe those old wounds