That means there will be a handful of intriguing match-ups which could decide the destination of the silverware.

Ricky Ponting v Mahela Jayawardene

The rival captains will both know that the way they marshal their troops could be crucial to the outcome of the match.

Everything, from the toss - and the winning skipper's decision - to the timing and frequency of the bowling changes, will be important but there are other, equally decisive, roles for the pair to play.

Ponting must prepare his ultra-confident, and thus far largely untested, side for its stiffest challenge yet while Jayawardene must make his side genuinely believe it can upset the finest one-day unit in the world.

Glenn McGrath v Sanath Jayasuriya

Two of the sport's most revered performers will come head to head when Sri Lanka takes to the crease and whoever wins this personal duel could find themselves holding the trophy.

At 37, both men will see this showpiece final as their last chance to impress at the highest level and the meeting of Jayasuriya's swashbuckling batting with McGrath's unerring new-ball onslaught will provide compelling viewing.

Matthew Hayden v Lasith Malinga

After looking like he was coming to end of his dominant career in the 2005 Ashes, the burly Queenslander has been reborn in the last 12 months and his form in the Caribbean has been superb.

Charged with the responsibility of pegging back Australia's traditional charge in the first 15 overs will be Sri Lanka's pacy youngster Malinga.

With four wickets in four balls against South Africa and 16 wickets in seven games thus far, Malinga's slingy, full-pitched style has clearly been effective so far.

Michael Clarke v Muttiah Muralitharan

Clarke has been the unsung hero of Australia's campaign, going almost unnoticed with the histrionics of the top order taking the majority of the headlines. But his application has been faultless when called to finish innings' and early breakthroughs could see him being Australia's main buffer against Murali in the tense middle overs.

The master spinner has showed plenty of his match-winning potential in the West Indies, finding plenty to work with on a variety of wickets and he will test Clarke's new-found maturity to the hilt if the two come into contact.

Sportal