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The Sri Lankan duo paved the way...:
Sangakkara and Jayawardene lived through 4 World Cups
By A.C De Silva
Not many are blessed with a chance to bow out in style. Even the best
of them all, Sir Don Bradman, needing four runs in his last innings to
finish with a perfect average of 100, fell for nought.
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Kumar Sangakkara (left) and Mahela Jayawardene. They went
through four World Cup final defeats, but finally got hold
of the 2014 World T20 Trophy. They are down to play in the
World Cup to be co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia. |
But as time flows, this adds to their everlasting appeal. So it does
for the few who actually go out in style. As far as World Cup Swangsons
are concerned, no one could have had it better than Imran Khan and
Sachin Tendulkar.
The former, at the grand old age of 39, and latter, barely a month
shy of the same age, won their first and only winner's medal in 1992 and
2001.
The 2015 event will also have its share of players dreaming to finish
on a high. A look at some of them:
Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene (both 37): Gentleman's Game,
cricket might no longer be, but if it has to associate that with some of
it will most definitely be the legendary Sri Lankan duo. The two have
lived through four World Cup final defeats - 2007 and 2011 in ODIs, and
the 2009 and 2012 T20 Trophy. Does the ODI crown beckon this time?
Shahid Afridi (34) and Misbah-ul-Haq (40): Common wisdom suggests
that one should never see the words - Afridi and retirement in to same
breath. But the man has said, at least for now, that his fifth
appearance in the quadrennial extravaganza will be his last. So has
Misbah, who, through, can be expected to keep his word. As Captain, he
is only a year older than when Imran won in 1992.
Dale Steyn (31): "We are just trying to be a part of that puzzle,
that when it's finished, it has a big W on it. If I can win that World
Cup without taking one wicket, I can still have a winner's medal round
my neck," Steyn has been quoted saying. 'That's how desperate he is to
win the ultimate prize. It may be his last chance, but with a team as
well-rounded as the one South Africa possesses, his best.
Brendon McCullum (33): Few men can hurt the bowling attack like him,
the most recent example being the blistering 134 - ball 195 against Sri
Lanka.
As an astute captain, he has turned the Kiwis into the most improved
lot, and with that has come the tag of 'dark horse.' |
