Final analysis (19 June 1999)
I've thought all along that Australia would win the cup
19-Jun-1999
19 June 1999
Final analysis
The Electronic Telegraph
The views of Daily Telegraph columnists
For Australia
Dickie Bird
I've thought all along that Australia would win the cup. They have
come good at the right time and will fight to the death for each
other. Pakistan have got a tremendous attack but they are inclined to
panic if they are put under pressure and Australia have an excellent
batting line-up.
Ian Chappell
The two most attacking sides are in the final. Australia are more
reliable in batting and will make less mistakes, while Pakistan are
stronger in bowling and unpredictable. Despite the danger that
Australia could be drained by the effort of making the final, as
happened in 1996, they will be the second team to win two World Cups.
Michael Henderson
Not since the first World Cup final in 1975, between West Indies and
Australia, has a one-day game looked more delightful in prospect.
Australia are the best side in the world; Pakistan the most
beguiling. In a tight corner you never discount the hard men so it's
Australia, just.
Sybil Ruscoe
Pakistan have a lot going for them _ their bowling attack is clearly
the stronger, with Shoaib Akhtar awesome _but the force is with
Australia after their titanic battles against South Africa. Steve
Waugh could be at the head of the carnival parade and Glenn McGrath
may be the match-winner on the ground he loves best.
Martin Johnson
A freak thunderstorm will turn Lord's into a boating pond, and
Pakistan, chasing 265 to win, will be set a revised target of 982.
The match will end in a tie, and the trophy shared between Duckworth
and Lewis. Otherwise, you can toss a coin for it - but if pressed,
Australia.
David Lloyd
The toss and the conditions will have an influence. The crowd support
will fanatically favour Pakistan, which might work against them.
After England's exit I said Australia would win and I stick by that.
Defeat is not in their vocabulary. They have the team and
psychological edge.
For Pakistan
Simon Hughes
World cup winners _Pakistan. They are a dynamic batting side with
greater depth than Australia (Azhar Mahmood, coming in No 8, has
three Test centuries), the fastest bowler in the world, the cleverest
new ball bowler (Wasim) and the most unusual spinner (Saqlain). Their
fielding might be sub-standard but they have so many match winners
with bat and ball.
Mark Nicholas
Having backed Australia at the start of the tournament I now switch
horses to Pakistan. Australia are still not playing as well as they
can so it is a testament to their character that they have reached
the final. Pakistan will bat much better against Shane Warne than
South Africa and with their terrific bowling potential may prove
irresistible.
Source :: The Electronic Telegraph