SAS NAGAR, MAY 22: The dust is settling down after the opening shootout. And, as the smoke clears up, the tough guys are still there, standing firm and visibly eager for the final duel. It was obvious midway through in this four-Nation Independence Cup that Pakistan and Sri Lanka were better equipped for action of a higher intensity. And, for once, the Russian roullete of one-day cricket swung in tune with the form book, leaving both in the race for the top spot.

Except for a couple of classy cameos from Nathan Astle, the amount of inexperience in the New Zealand side far outweighed their enthusiasm. The Indians, if not anything else, only succeeded in rattling the country's cricket merchants. Knowing their priorities, the men who rule the game in this land would now be more worried about missing the gravy train, now that the hosts are not there to pull in the crowds.

Yet, as always, they will fall back on the gullible Indian cricket fan to ensure that the first final at the PCA Stadium here tomorrow will be a sell-out. And, the latter, who has been unduly kind in this respect, should live up to such expectations if the mood here is any indication. The hotels are full and there was even a minor demonstration outside the stadium today by some irritated students, seeking passes.

Really, it's an all-win situation for the profit-seekers. The fans can't be blamed either. For, from a purely cricketing angle, a three-match shootout between Sri Lanka and Pakistan should provide the best possible finale for this tournament.

Both Pakistan coach Mushtaq Mohammed and his Lankan counterpart, Bruce Yardley, have indicated that there would not be any change in the teams for the first final. In the event, there is an uncanny similarity in the line-up of both sides, that should ensure an interesting man-to-man tussle for honours. To balance Lanka's Sanath Jayasuriya there is a Saeed Anwar on the other side. If Salim Malik is a key figure in Pakistan's batting, the Lankans have the counter in Aravinda de Silva. And, if Saqlain Mushtaq extracts any turn or bounce on this firm track, Muthiah Muralitharan would be licking his lips in anticipation on the other side.

With both sides being so evenly matched, an interesting point for debate would be the role played by Arjuna Ranatunga and Rameez Raja in the proceedings. Especially, if the team batting first runs up a huge total, as has been the trend during this tournament.

The spotlight, then, will definitely shift to the captains, their approach and the manner in which they marshal the field and utilise their bowlers. It is here that the experience and cricketing savvy of Ranatunga might prove decisive.

Television viewers will remember the picture of a rattled Rameez after India picked up the gauntlet in earnest at Chepauk the day before. The Pakistan captain was surprisingly frank, today, in admitting that. ``By the 35th over, India still had a chance of winning despite our big score. Yes, I do agree that captaincy will be crucial,'' he said. Besides, there was a tinge of uncertainty in coach Mushtaq's voice when he said, ``Hopefully, Rameez will do the job for us.''

The level of Saeed Anwar's fitness after the record-breaking effort against the hosts is another cause for concern, though Mushtaq assured that the left-hander would take the field tomorrow. On the Lankan side, the accurate left-arm pacer Chaminda Vaas is down with a back strain. If Vaas is pronounced unfit tomorrow, his place will be taken by right-arm medium pacer Dulip Liyanage.

Moving on to tactics, the Lankans preferred to play it cool while Mushtaq was quick to reveal that the Pakistanis would prefer to bat first. That decision must have been prompted by Pakistan's experience in the Cup opener on the same pitch against New Zealand where they fell short of the Kiwi total by 22 runs.

It is a measure of their sense of purpose that both sides have virtually maintained the same XI throughout the tournament. This, despite early noises to the effect that everybody would be given a chance on this tour of exposure.

The only innovation from the Lankan side in this tournament has been the promotion of Maravan Atapattu, who proved more than an able replacement for Romesh Kaluwitharana, as Jayasuriya's opening partner.

The Pakistanis have made one minor -- and, till now, insignificant -- change, playing Azhar Mehmood for Abdul Razzaq as Javed's new ball partner, after the first match.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.