The crowds carried all their enthusiasm through game after game. They were rewarded by some exciting displays, particularly the sparkling innings of 141 by Sachin Tendulkar against Australia. He punished some quite acceptable bowling with an astonishing repertoire of strokes that seemed to eliminate any element of risk. The Aussies were left gasping, as would have the West Indies if that remarkable slip catch by Hooper hadn't put paid to Tendulkar, and thus India, in the semifinal.

South Africa carried too many guns for all their opponents. They are an efficient unit whose planning and execution are exemplary. It is no wonder they were ranked top of the world in ODI's before the event. Their convincing performances simply confirm their standing.

It was curious that the final saw the West Indies appear to be in the game almost to the very end. Even with only seven overs left the scoreline comparison showed the Windies still marginally ahead. In practice two reasons put paid to their chances. One was the total inability of their tail to make even token runs against the lively bowling of Jacques Kallis.

The other was the entirely clinical display by Hansie Cronje with bat. His 61 not out was a great example of a captain leading from the front, with his eyes set firmly on the end result. He had great support from Dale Berkenstein as well as Kallis and Rindel. They made the accomplishment of just under five runs per over a formality, with three overs to spare at the finish.

The New Zealand performance was tinged with the frequent regret that we find it difficult to string two winning efforts together, back to back. The stunning victory over Zimbabwe never looked like being repeated against Sri Lanka. The batting was just inadequate. The decision to open with the tyro Matthew Bell was surprising, for although I believe he has a great future it is in the longer game. He is patently struggling to produce the inventive strokeplay needed for One Day Internationals at this stage.

Matthew Horne has not always come off in one dayers but his experience and nous would have helped us to a better start. Then it was equally surprising to see Simon Doull whipped off after three overs with the figures of two wickets for one run. Admittedly if Parore had been able to take a shoulder high chance from Ranatunga when Vettori was introduced there may have been some justification. It is on such slender threads that such decisions depend.

There seemed to be an absence of logic in these situations. You will not see the hard-headed South Africans theorising when they have a plan and know how to put it in practice.

Still it was a fascinating event and bodes well for the coming season, opening up this weekend with a string of Cricket Max league matches. There will be ample opportunities for our Black Caps to build on their splendid finish to last season, with the Conference series assisted by Pakistan "A". The Indians arrive soon for a test series and then the usual New Year Shell Cup and Trophy matches will maintain interest until the arrival of the South Africans.

They will bring their feared pace trio of Donald, Pollock and Klusener with them. Our batsmen will need to be at their best. I am confident we will do well.

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