Meeting of the underdogs

It was meant to be India versus Pakistan, a match that was much talked about and keenly anticipated before the tournament. In its place we had the meeting of the two underdogs who have done so well and stolen all the headlines with their giant killing.

Bangladesh were clear favourites, having beaten the mighty Indians and top ranked South Africa. They were however decidedly under par throughout the match in all aspects of the game. The fielding that has normally been so good was scrappy, the bowling unimpressive and the batting very fragile. One wonders if it was the pressure of being favourites or the lack of a challenge of taking on a top team that was the reason for their poor performance.

You can't take anything away from the Irish, who bounced back after the trashing inflicted on them by the mighty Aussies. The fairytale continues for them and one can't help but be impressed with them, as is evident by the army of fans they seem to have collected. The win gives them automatic One Day International status.

The match was sold out a long time ago, and those Indian and Pakistan fans that turned up were at least treated to a party atmosphere. In order to fill the ground after many not showing up, there was free admission after 11am. The Irish know how to party and at last we had the kind of atmosphere we have been looking for all along.The Blarney Army might give the mighty Barmy Army some competition in the future. Irish eyes were certainly smiling at the end.