India, Sri Lanka pad up for Final

Mumbai: It is going to be a super Saturday as two sub-continental giants; India and Sri Lanka, are all set to go one on one with each other for bringing home the cricket World Cup.

No matter which way the ball swings, the cup will see its way back to Asia for the first time since 1996.

A mood of excitement and high-voltage spirit is swooping both the nations as people gear up to witness the ultimate clash of titans from Saturday afternoon.

From Bangalore to Kolkata, the entire nation has been gripped by a mood of festivity and merriment.

In each city, people will be seen fixated in front of the television to witness the high voltage final in Mumbai.

From prayers to good wishes, the fans of Dhoni and Sangakkara brigade have been doing it all, as people from both the nations expect their side to become the new champion.

Celebrities flocked on Twitter to post posted their comments wishing good luck to Indian team.

'Can't think of a better scenario than watching India win the WC at home and being in the stands. Am jealous my wife @DuttaLara is going,” Indian Tennis icon Mahesh Bhupathi tweeted.

“On my way to Mumbai. Let the mor sun bring joy, luck, happiness and VICTORY to India.:)” Anupam Kher wished Team India.

“Seize the moment ....... N be the glorious ...... Boys in blue the nation cheers for u ..... May the cup be ours .... Shabbakhair all,” actor Shahid Kapoor tweeted.

“In 24hrs. We cud b world champions. Think abt it,” writer Chetan Bhagat tweeted.

“Whole family went to the '99 WC final in england except me. stupid headmaster at boarding school didn't let me out!! Can't wait for tomorrow,” Sidhartha Mallya shared his World Cup memories with followers.

On Saturday, Indians will also hope to see Sachin Tendulkar complete his 100th century and ensure India to be named the new World Champions.

Tendulkar played exceptionally well in the semi-final on Mar 30 but fell 15 short of reaching the magical figure.

Sachin Tendulkar scored 85 in the match against arch-rivals Pakistan at the eagerly awaited showdown at Mohali.

The other big clash in the match will surely be between India’s hard hitting opener Sehwag and between Sri Lankan opener Tilakratne ‘Dilscoop’ Dilshan.

It will also be interesting to see how Lasith Malinga performs with the ball and rips through the Indian batting line up on Saturday as much depends on his performance on Saturday.

India and Sri Lanka have faced each other in multiple finals over the years, last being the Asia Cup in June 2010, where India defeated their opponents by 81 runs to become the Asian champions.

Two countries on Saturday will now be biting off their nails to see which captain works it out well on and lifts the cup on at the Wankhede stadium.

India reached the Final be defeating arch rival Pakistan in a highly tense match at Mohali, while Sri Lanka beat New Zealand to make it to the final.

While India reached the finals of World Cup after 2003, Sri Lanka had played the final in its last edition at West Indies where they were defeated by the mighty Australians.

The last three editions (1999,2003, 2007) of the World Cup were won by Australia who exited this time at the quarter final round after receiving a defeat at the hands of India.

Incidentally in all the three World Cups, Australia defeated an Asian team to lift the trophy.